Immochan, the real estate division of Auchan holding, signed the first multiplex of the South-East of France fitted with Imax technology in STRATOS, as part of Alpha 2017.
'Cornerstone of 'Alpha 2017', the largest recreational-commercial centre in Provence, which will be located in the heart of the future 'Bonnes Nouvelles' neighbourhood of Aubagne (some 20 kilometres from Marseilles), STRATOS aims to revolutionise habits by providing a 'complete and unique' experience to the Aubagne urban area and more globally to the future Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis, explains François Roux, Immochan project manager.
STRATOS will offer completed indoor and outdoor entertainment. Comprising 15 screens with a total of 3,412 seats, including a 450-seat Imax theatre, a performance hall with more than 1,500 seats and two themed restaurants. The ‘susepended’ Imax theatre (the 6th in France) has a 22 metre curved screen that is three times brighter than a ‘normal’ screen, full HD digital projection, a real ‘sound wall’ and 3D technology thanks to Imax 3D.
Designed by Argentinean architect Marcelo Joulia, the building’s frame is wrapped with 15,000m² of steel mesh. The inside has been pampered with LEDS to show images and environments and immerse the visitor in a true sound and visual experience upon entering the complex. STRATOS should open its doors during the second half of 2020, with a total investment of approximately €26m and the creation of 150 jobs throughout the complex.
Immochan has turned to René Kraus for the operations of the multiplex. Well known in the regional movie industry world (CEO of Capitole Studios and President of the Recontres Cin.matographiques du Sud’), René Kraus has prepared a diversified programme, in particular in partnership with the ‘Le Pagnol’ movie theatre operated by Gérard Balian (Aubagne city centre) which will be more focused on ‘auteur’ and art-house cinema.
The STRATOS multiplex will be one of the flagship facilities of ‘Alpha 2017’. Conceived by Immochan, the recreational-commercial centre is based on the retailtainment concept, comprising of 200 shops, 15 restaurants as well as sports and outdoor fun areas, aimed to increase the attractiveness of the Aubagne retail trade, expected to attract 15 million visitors per year.
