Demolition of Moorestown Mall Theater Imminent

Construction crews are set to begin demolition of the United Artists theater at the Moorestown Mall any day now.

A chain-link fence recently erected around the outside of the theater and a steel gate closing off the interior entrance serve as physical reminders that the multiplex is no longer in business. The theater closed within the last month, according to Judy Trias, spokeswoman for PREIT (Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust), which owns the mall.

Though an exact date has not been set, Trias said demolition will commence very soon.

She said crews will raze the theater using heavy-duty construction vehicles. The new theater——will occupy the existing theater space, as well as the .

PREIT plans to have the theater open for the 2013 summer movie season (perhaps in time for Iron Man 3 and the Star Trek sequel). The RPX—Regal’s high-end theater model—will feature 3D, digital projection screens and stadium seating with reclining seats, among other amenities.

There is one drawback to the theater upgrade.

“It will affect business (at the mall), because the theater is a major draw,” Trias acknowledged.

To mitigate any potential drawdown of foot traffic, Trias said PREIT is planning on adding various entertainment options starting in June.

An exact schedule has not yet been set, but current plans call for Friday night karaoke, storytelling and other family events on Saturday, and performances by Symphony in C (formerly The Haddonfield Symphony) on Sunday, she said. All the entertainment will be situated in the food court area.

Stay tuned to Moorestown Patch for more details as they become available.