‘Rubys Cinema’ will close next week, with the final film screenings on (Wednesday) March 5.

The cinema (downstairs at the Basecamp/Cardrona complex on Cardrona Valley Road) opened in 2011.

The twin-screen theatre has offered an ever-changing mix of mainstream and art house films, and set itself apart from the usual movie-going experience with luxurious decor, a cocktail menu, plush seating and other twists.

Owner and Three Parks developer Allan Dippie told the Wānaka App the cinema would “go into hibernation until we get a new cinema at Three Parks”.

He said the new cinema will be bigger and have more screens, “but still offer the boutique experience Wānaka people love”.

“We would like to thank all our staff that have loved working at Rubys over the years and also all the locals that have loved the Rubys experience,” he said.

The new cinema will be located within the Three Parks ‘town square’, which is currently in the design stage for the large grass area between Sir Tim Wallis Drive and the front of Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Allan said.

Its timing isn’t confirmed, he said.

PHOTO: Wānaka App