Phoenix Square, the 21.5M state of the art digital media centre/ 3D cinema opened its doors to the public for the first time yesterday signalling the end of three years work.

The centre is to be the city’s new home of independent pictures with two screens, it also boasts a café bar and the De Montfort University (DMU) Cube- a relaxing digital light projected installation.

Situated on Midland Street in the Cultural Quarter of Leicester the Square houses 63 individually designed homes, 22 workspaces, seven two-storey office studios and eight incubation units for creative businesses.

More than 1,000 came through the doors by the end of the day to see what the place has to offer.

The night featured a virtual Roman tour of the city, outdoor screenings of classic silent cinema, digital art projections onto the outside of the building and an array of 3D tasters.

Facilities at the Phoenix will give digital media students and professionals access to the latest technology, the likes of which has never been seen before in this city.

Edit suites, production studios, live links to DMU and two dedicated 3D screens are all available at the new centre.

Working in conjunction with the Institute of Creative Technologies at the University using methods like holography, robotics, mechatronics, and visualisation Phoenix will be host to an exciting programme of events.

The opening has also meant the prospect of new job opportunities in the area with over 50 staff hired on a part or full-time basis, 12 of whom were assigned to full-time positions from their former destination at Phoenix Arts Centre, on Upper Brown Street.

Checkout a more informal individual perspective of the night at Journo Joe’s blog.