EVENT Cinemas | Toowoomba - Design Clarity

Transformation of a 20+ year-old cinema complex & a new V-Max ultimate moviegoing experience

#Australia
#Event Cinemas
#Toowoomba
#hospitality

Project Architects: Design Clarity
Services Consultants: Fairbairn Consulting
General Contractor: Evolve Constructions
Lighting consultant: Ambience
Client: Event Hospitality & Entertainment Ltd
Site photos courtesy of Evolve / Photography editing by DC

EVENT Cinemas in Toowoomba opened doors in late 2020 in readiness for the summer blockbuster releases after a major extension and refit. EVENT chose to partner with Design Clarity as design architects for this project.

Queensland locals will be able to experience the unique Your Cinema Your Way concept with a choice of new seating options including luxurious full recliners and front row double day-beds.

Rebranding from BCC Birch, Carroll & Coyle to the very latest EVENT Cinemas brand was part of the project vision realised. The design scope also included new entrance foyer, lobby lounge, self-service ticketing kiosks, candy bar, games zone, upgraded amenities, cinema concourse and wayfinding, movie theatre upgrades and brand new state-of-the-art V-Max theatre stadium built as an addition to the complex, located within the QIC Grand Central Shopping Centre.

EVENT Toowoomba’s vast 250 seat V-Max theatre has a 25M wide curved digital screen, 4K resolution and latest Dolby Atmos sound technology for a pristine surround sound experience.

The extensive renovation and building works were completed during a year of disruption and uncertainty. Delivering the project seamlessly required many adjustments to normal processes and constant (virtual) communication between project team consultants and client.

“The change is all part of our commitment to delivering on our vision to offer a world of experiences under one roof – whether that’s new cinema concepts, greater choice in seating or the opportunity to enjoy new amenities like our café and bar.” Ian Mills, Event Cinema Area Manager

The Vmax cinema room prioritizes both comfort and style, featuring a blend of traditional tiered seating and premium recliners. The plush, dark-colored seats in the back rows are complemented by an expansive, dark-textured carpet that adds warmth and luxury to the space.

A luxurious Vmax cinema room featuring plush recliners, modern tiered seating, and high-end materials for ultimate comfort.

A stylish cafe lounge within the cinema, featuring comfortable seating, a modern bar counter, and warm wood tones.

The cinema’s cafe lounge blends comfort with contemporary design, showcasing dark gray metal-framed armchairs and a tan leather sectional couch, each with patterned cushions for added style. Set against a textured concrete-like wall, the seating creates a relaxed ambiance perfect for socializing before a film.

The well-organized and modern candy bar, with stylish tile backsplash and a variety of menu options.

The candy bar in this cinema offers a bright, inviting setup with a long, sleek counter and a light beige tiled backsplash, arranged in vertical strips to add texture and visual interest. The countertop is a striking dark gray or black, creating a clean contrast with the light backsplash. Overhead, a sectioned wooden slat ceiling adds warmth, featuring dark brown stripes and an illuminated "Parlour Lane" sign.

This inviting cafe and bar area within the cinema combines sleek, modern design elements with cozy seating options. A long, tan-colored leather couch with metal mesh backrests and dark gray and tan pillows provides a comfortable place for patrons to relax, accompanied by smaller black metal-framed seating arrangements that blend industrial and minimalist styles.

The cinema’s cafe and bar area, featuring comfortable seating and a stylish, modern concession counter.

A modern and sleek restroom with warm wood accents, minimalist sinks, and sophisticated tile work.

This contemporary restroom features warm brown wood-paneled stalls, adding an inviting touch to the clean, modern design. Light off-white tiles with a narrow rectangular pattern cover the walls, complemented by a contrasting dark gray stone base that grounds the aesthetic and highlights the space's clean lines.

A contemporary cinema lobby with sleek seating, textured walls, and dynamic lighting for an inviting atmosphere.

The cinema lobby showcases a thoughtfully designed interior, combining modern textures and seating arrangements to create a comfortable, stylish space. A centrally placed, curved bench upholstered in dark gray velvet sits atop a green carpet, inviting guests to relax in an intimate yet open layout.

The movie theater lobby combines comfort and style with a mix of gray wicker armchairs and sofas arranged in a circular lounge area, providing a welcoming space for patrons to relax. The light brownish-gray speckled concrete floor complements the contemporary dark walls, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. In the background, the Parlour Lane popcorn bar, dedicated to serving fresh popcorn and movie snacks, stands out with its light-colored counter and rich wood accents.

A spacious and modern movie theater lobby featuring the Parlour Lane, comfortable lounges, and sleek lighting.

The cafe and bar canopy with modern signage and sleek metal framing, adding style to the cinema’s lobby.

This cafe and bar area features a striking "CAFE + BAR" sign in bright white illuminated letters, framed by dark metal that adds a modern touch to the design. Positioned above a light gray countertop, the canopy-style metal framing and signage make the area an inviting focal point.

A well-lit cinema concourse with strategic signage and modern lighting for a sleek, functional design.

This cinema concourse combines dark gray walls with vertical light gray striping, adding depth and visual interest to the hallway’s design. Numbered room signs in bold fonts along the walls clearly designate theater entrances, ensuring easy navigation for patrons.

The Vmax cinema room is designed to offer a premium viewing experience, with tiered rows of dark leather seats providing maximum comfort and visibility. Each seat is crafted to be supportive, allowing moviegoers to settle in for an extended viewing in luxury.

The Vmax cinema room, featuring spacious tiered seating and optimized lighting for an immersive viewing experience.

A modern lobby banquette with tan cushioned seating, dark tables, and a mirror reflecting the candy bar.

This lobby area features a long row of tan-colored, pleated banquette seating, creating a stylish and comfortable space for patrons to relax. Dark brown, round tables spaced between the seats are complemented by charcoal-gray upholstered chairs, adding to the refined ambiance.

Cinema lobby with a large screen for movie trailers, comfortable seating, and modern decor.

The cinema lobby offers a stylish and functional space with a large, dark gray projection screen for showcasing movie trailers, enhancing the cinematic atmosphere for patrons. In the seating area, sleek armchairs with dark gray metal frames and light upholstery are complemented by a mustard-colored leather bench along a light gray wall, adding warmth and contrast.

The Parlour Lane concession stand combines modern design with functionality, offering moviegoers an inviting space to purchase snacks and drinks. The long counter, topped with a light gray surface, showcases a prominent red Coca-Cola dispenser, while a container of freshly popped popcorn and other snack displays add to the visual appeal.

The Parlour Lane concession stand, featuring a sleek counter, ample snack options, and bold signage.

A sophisticated cinema concourse with modern design elements and illuminated theater numbering.

The concourse features a sleek, modern aesthetic, with dark gray walls accented by stylized lighter gray stripes. Large, illuminated theater numbers (1 through 5) are recessed into the wall panels, adding a striking visual element that guides patrons smoothly through the space.