New MediCinema to help rehabilitation at Headley Court
A new state-of-the-art cinema and entertainment centre is to open this summer for injured Service personnel at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.
Computer-generated virtual impression of the new cinema auditorium of the MediCinema entertainment centre at Headley Court [Picture: Royal British Legion/MediCinema]
The Royal British Legion, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, is partnering with MediCinema to open the facility, with plans to adapt part of the Grade 2 listed building for the purpose.
The proposals were given the green light this week and will create the first ever fully digital, 3D system dedicated to Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation.
The new cinema complex will show Hollywood blockbusters and films on current release up to three times a week. It is hoped that it will be up and running in time to screen the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer.
The 50-seat cinema will have full wheelchair access, with some seats accessible by steps to help those redeveloping their mobility. It will make a significant contribution to the recuperation of Service personnel by providing them with some much needed entertainment during their rehabilitation.
The Royal British Legion has provided £420,000 towards the capital and operating costs of the cinema which MediCinema will build and manage.
Stephen Moore, MediCinema’s Chief Executive, said:
We are delighted to be providing a cinema of the highest quality at Headley Court. It has only been made possible by the generous support we’ve been given by so many people in the film industry as well as the Royal British Legion.
Sue Freeth, Director of Health and Welfare at the Royal British Legion, said:
Injured Service personnel already receive the best medical care and rehabilitation and now the Royal British Legion and MediCinema are joining forces to give them the best entertainment experience, through a new state-of-the-art cinema.
Rehabilitation is not only a huge physical challenge, but involves recuperating mentally as well. This excellent new facility will assist our brave Service personnel in doing just that.
Commanding Officer of Headley Court, Group Captain Clare Walton, said:
This is a truly generous gesture from both the Royal British Legion and MediCinema. Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation here will, I am sure, be delighted to have their own cinema where they can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters, hook up their games consoles to the big screen and enjoy sports and other programmes in the facility.