The cinema complex will provide for a single 252-seat theatre, a second 163-seat theatre and two 121-seat theatres with a foyer area and a box office/candy bar area.

The $6.15 million construction of the cinema will occur within the existing two-level Kempsey Central Shopping Centre, with the cinema to be accommodated on a new third floor extension above Coles Supermarket.

Construction cost also includes a minimum $150,000 for specialist cinema fit-out, furnishings and equipment including theatre chairs, screens, projectors, sound systems and soundproofing treatment.

The Kempsey Shire Council was successful in the second round of funding through the National Stronger Regions Fund after missing out in the first round of funding in May.

Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell said the cinema was the missing link to the CBD profile.

“I am delighted that council’s successful negotiation of this project to date, including financial commitment of our partners, Gowing Bros and Majestic Cinemas, has been recognised with a $2 million commitment from the Federal Government,” Cr Campbell said.

“This major new entertainment venue will bring even more people into the Kempsey Central Business District, where they will be able to enjoy our great retail hub.

“I have every confidence in our partners and our council organisation in delivering a superb facility that will significantly enhance the social and cultural lives of the people of the Macleay for many generations to come,” she said.

In November last year the council commissioned a survey to find out if residents would back the idea of a cinema complex in Kempsey.

The survey found over 80 per cent of the local community believed it was important for Kempsey to have a commercially operated cinema, while 84 per cent supported council’s efforts to attract a cinema, and 52 per cent said they were prepared to make a personal donation to support the funding effort.

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker announced the project would receive the grant through the federal government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.

“After so many decades without a cinema this development is going to create jobs, bring tourists to Kempsey and create social opportunities for people young and old in Kempsey and the Macleay Valley," Mr Hartsuyker said.

“It is projected this cinema development will generate at least 84 construction and operational jobs, inject $2 million annually into the local economy and draw an extra 22,000 new tourists to Kempsey each year.”