ODEON has unveiled details of the 10-screen multiplex which will replace Bournemouth’s Westover Road cinemas.

The company says the Odeon at the new Bh2 leisure complex off the Square will be one of the most advanced “flagship” cinemas in the country.

Attractions will include a big ‘iSense’ screen, reclining seats in most auditoriums, a special kids’ screen and a new hot food range.

Forty jobs will be created at the cinema, which is expected to open early next year.

Its arrival will mean the closure of the Odeon and ABC venues and the end of cinema-going on Westover Road after 88 years.

Odeon says its iSense screen will have a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall picture from 4K digital projectors. It says each screen is curved to maximise light reflection, which is particularly important for 3D films.

Eight of the 10 screens will have reclining seats and two will be “all-recliner”.

The upstairs will have a “pizza and planks” food range and a licensed bar. Food can be taken into the screenings, with tables attached to the recliner chairs.

The kids’ screen will have a “fun and comfortable” seating area at the front of the screen for small children.

The cinema will be managed by Richard Rowe, who moves from management at Odeon Southampton. He has worked at the Odeon in Westover Road previously.

Mr Rowe said: “Odeon offers film fans the ultimate viewing experience and I am excited to be part of this incredible flagship site here in Bournemouth.

“Being brought up in the town, I am delighted to be returning as general manager and picking up the torch from my colleague Spencer Clark, who has managed the Odeon cinemas in Bournemouth so well over the years.

“I can’t wait to see Bournemouth’s reaction to the innovative, state-of-the-art cinema experience. A lot of hard work and thought has gone into the planning of the cinema to ensure every Odeon outing is an exciting experience for everyone."

Andy Edge, Odeon’s commercial director for UK and Ireland, said: “We love our long, fun history at the heart of Bournemouth’s entertainment scene.

“It is a wonderful town for us with a thriving student community. It has renowned status as a hot spot tourist destination with its award winning beaches and more recently has become synonymous with digital innovation and is leading the way in 5G trials.

“It’s the perfect location for Odeon to be focusing its efforts and to fly the flag for an amazing brand new cinema.”