NEWQUAY'S new cinema is still on course to open its doors to film fans in the spring – despite the freezing weather hindering construction work.

ISG Pearce, the construction company contracted to build the shell of the four-screen cinema occupying the site of the former Vic Bars, was forced to delay work due to the sub-zero conditions.

However, according to Mark Williams of WTW Cinemas, which will operate the new 600-seat cinema, building work is still on schedule.

He said: "We are pleased to say that the contractors for the external shell of the new Newquay cinema, ISG Pearce, are nearing completion which will allow the internal fit-out of the cinema to begin.

"ISG Pearce deserve great credit, as they have had to work through incredibly difficult conditions with wind, rain and sub-zero temperatures but have still managed to deliver the building on schedule.

"The internal contractors are now preparing the site for their works, and we are pleased to say that the team that helped deliver White River Cinema in St Austell are back on board and are preparing to start.

"The principal fit-out contractors are GF Holding, a company with a long history of delivering cinema projects including Odeon cinemas throughout the UK."

Mr Williams said Newquay's new cinema would also benefit from the latest in 3-D technology, which was sure to draw crowds into the town.

"We have been busy looking at the latest in cinema ideas and technology as we look to deliver a state-of-the-art facility for Newquay and the surrounding area," he said.

"This flagship building will be the first purpose-built all- digital projection cinema in the South West, and will feature MasterImage 3-D projection to cater for the high number of 3-D movies that are planned for the 2011 summer season."

The Newquay cinema could also be set to win industry awards in 2012 due to the involvement of the same team who installed the internal fixtures of the cinema in St Austell's White River Place.

White River Cinema has been nominated as one of the leading independent cinemas in the UK.

The cinema is up against two other cinemas – the Lexi Cinema in London and Zefferelli's in Ambleside in Cumbria – at the RAAM UK and Ireland Cinema Exhibition and Distribution Awards, which are to be held at the Marriott Hotel in London's West End on Wednesday, February 9.