MUMBAI: Marcus Theatres has announced its plans to build a new theatre in the area presently known as “The Crossing” at US Highway, on the east side of Madison.

Marcus Theatres, a division of The Marcus Corporation, is the seventh largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently operates 678 screens at 56 locations.

The 26-acre site will accommodate the new theatre and any future expansion, as well as a variety of synergistic mixed-uses on the balance of the land. The company has also signed an agreement to sell the nearby Eastgate Cinema property to a Madison-based real estate company. The theatre will be razed and the site redeveloped for other use.

“Marcus Theatres plans to build an entirely new state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment complex on the east side of Madison to replace the Eastgate. Expansion at the current site was possible, but after carefully evaluating all of our options, relocating and building a new theatre that includes other exciting entertainment and dining options made the most sense. We are currently in the process of due diligence and planning. The opening of our new location will coincide with the closing of the Eastgate, which could be sometime in late 2008 or early 2009. Following approvals with city planning, we expect construction could begin in 2008.” said Marcus Theatres president Bruce J. Olson.

“The 2,900 seat entertainment destination will feature 16 stadium-seating auditoriums with digital sound and plush, adjustable back memory foam seats. To enhance the movie going experience even further, one of the auditoriums will include our signature 72-foot-wide UltraScreen and another auditorium will feature Digital 3D technology, allowing moviegoers to experience the vibrant quality and lifelike clarity of 3D images,” Olson added.

Among other features, currently under consideration, are in-theatre dining, a family entertainment center, a movie-themed sports restaurant and bar and outdoor patio.

“We are still in the preliminary planning stages for the new theatre and will announce additional design elements and amenities when all of the details are finalized. We look forward to offering the latest in technology and amenities to Madison within a completely new theatre and entertainment concept. The theatre will draw upon our experience in integrating food and beverage service into theatres, as well as creating a destination that will attract people from throughout the area,” Olson said.

The financial details of both transactions were not disclosed.