Zlín wants to keep the Velké kino even after the multiplexes are operational

Zlín - The Zlín city hall intends to maintain the operation of the Big cinema and the Květen cinema in the Malenovice part even after the April opening of the multiplex in the Golden Apple in the city center. The city hall received a notice of termination from the current tenant a week ago and has now announced its intention to lease both cinemas to a new operator. This was stated to the press today by Mayor Irena Ondrová.
The current tenant, the Film Studios company, cited the unfavorable competitive environment associated with the operation of the multiplex in the Golden Apple as the reason for its termination. The city hall considered the future use of the facilities and received several offers from various entities. For example, the university expressed interest in establishing a university club in the Big cinema.
"The Big cinema is an important matter; it is part of the life of Zlín, and it is also a monument-protected object. Therefore, we did not want to make a hasty decision and carefully considered all aspects, including the economic ones. We have come to the conclusion that we will post another lease for both cinemas for a minimum of five years," Ondrová stated. Another reason for maintaining the cinema is, according to her, the fact that the city currently lacks a larger hall suitable for events such as concerts or the traditional Festival of Films for Children and Youth.
The future tenant of both cinemas must guarantee the continued use of the buildings for film, culture, and social affairs. "The business plan will be important with well-thought-out and realistic activities aimed at achieving as much self-financing as possible. We are also determined to contribute a small amount to the operator," Ondrová added, noting that a decision should be made within a month. The city hall has not subsidized the operation of the cinema to date, but has invested large amounts in the repair of the facilities and the building.
The Big cinema in Zlín was built in 1932 by the Baťa company. The original capacity of the cinema hall exceeded 2500 seats. Even the current number of seats - 1010 - ranks this cinema among the largest cinema halls in the republic. According to data from the Union of Film Distributors, the Big cinema in Zlín ranks among the top five in annual attendance out of a total of 154 cinemas in the Czech Republic. The Květen cinema in Zlín - Malenovice was built in the 1980s and has a capacity of 410 seats.
The developing Golden Apple complex will create a multifunctional center in the center of the regional city, connecting Míru Square with Rašínova and Dlouhá Street. It will offer about 70 stores across four commercial floors. In addition, there will be the very first multiplex cinema in the Zlín Region, restaurants, and offices. The investor expects that the Golden Apple will create 350 to 400 jobs.