GSC to open RM15m cinema at Gurney Plaza

BY K. SUTHAKAR IN PENANG

GOLDEN Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd (GSC), the country's largest cinema chain operator, will invest RM15mil to open its second biggest cinema at Gurney Plaza by year-end 

Its chief executive officer Koh Mei Lee said the 12-screen state-of-the-art multiplex which can accommodate 1,856 people would be the largest in the northern region. 

Kok Mei Lee exchanging documents with Phuah Choon Meng, witnessed by Datuk Teng Hock Nan - Starpic - By Zainudin Ahmad.

“It would also be GSC's second flagship outlet after GSC Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur, which has a total of 18 screens and is the largest multiplex in Asia,'' she said at the signing of an anchor tenancy agreement with Gurney Plaza. The signing was witnessed by state executive councillor Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, who represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. 

Koh signed on behalf of GSC while Gurney Plaza was represented by its director Phuah Choon Meng. 

Koh said the multiplex at Gurney Plaza's 7h floor would be GSC's 16th multiplex cinema in Malaysia. 

“As the leading film exhibitor and distributor in Malaysia, we have a circuit of 74 screens in 15 locations, all of which are located in major cities,'' she said. 

Speaking to newsmen later, GSC general manager Irving Chee said the company hopes to draw 8 million patrons to its multiplexes this year. 

“We drew 8 million patrons last year and hope to either retain this figure or see a slight increase as a spate of blockbuster movies are scheduled for release this year.'' 

At the function, Gurney Plaza also signed tenancy agreements with Bumcity Sdn Bhd and S&K Wellform Holdings Bhd to open outlets at the 7th floor. 

Bumcity will open its northern region flagship store featuring a large collection of merchandise from fashion to snacks catering to the young. 

S&K Wellform Holdings Bhd will operate Holiday Planet, a family entertainment centre and Brewball, a yuppies pool centre.