More cinema revamp detail

Kingston -

KINGSTON - Tuesday evening, Independence Mall Manager Mark Wagner briefed selectmen on the mall’s plans for expanding the cinema. He said the mall hoped to increase the size by 13 percent, adding more than 1,200 seats to the movie theater. 

“There will be 18 various-sized stadium seating theaters,” Wagener said.

He told selectmen he hopes to keep the current theaters running while building the new theaters on a second level, then open the new theaters while constructing a dining and interactive retail area in place of the original theaters.

He said he would request some relief from the parking requirements as research shows 4.5, not 5, spaces per 1,000 square feet works fine in retail centers with shared parking.

Selectman Mark Beaton suggested he consider building a parking deck, which although he said is five times more expensive, would be better for the environment.

Wagner said he planned to work with the town through the permitting process and selectmen applauded the efforts of the mall thus far in creating a successful retail center.

“Your success is our success,” Beaton said.

Wagner will formally present his plans to the Planning Board Jan. 8.

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