ODEON was founded in 1930 and is one of the best known and largest cinema chains in the UK and Ireland, with over one hundred cinemas and more than 850 screens. WBM has advised Odeon Cinemas on well over 60 projects within the period 2000 to 2015 covering both refurbishment and new developments, including the new 7 screen multiplex cinemas at Fort Kinnaird Shopping Centre, Newcraighall, Edinburgh.

Fort Kinnaird cinema was part of a £24m extension to the Fort Kinnaird retail and leisure park, introducing an Odeon cinema, seven restaurants, two cafes and a children’s play area.

Project brief: As part of the Client Team, provide professional input on the shell specification, plan layouts, lease arrangements, sound insulation and construction requirements. WBM advised on M&E services noise limits and internal acoustics, witnessing shell compliance tests and undertaking final compliance testing.

Acoustic aspects: WBM provided Odeon and their design team with the relevant expertise, experience and guidance on all aspects associated with the cinema acoustic performance and in particular sound insulation requirements. External noise break-in and auditoria and M&E plant noise break-out were the central focus. Any issues were minimised by working with an excellent client and design team.

Outcome: An excellent cinema facility providing 7 screens, one with the Odeon Dolby Atmos sound system, to the high standard of acoustic specification required by Odeon. The new cinema provides all the latest cinema offerings within one of the highest ranked retail & leisure destinations in the Edinburgh area.