Shaw Cinema in Nex Has Reopened, 6 Months After Ventilation Duct Incident

By
Boon Hun
-
Advertisements
 

Six months ago, a ventilation duct at the Shaw Cinema in Nex collapsed, injuring two people and indicting an irrational fear of cinema theatres in countless others.

This incident caused a huge hoo-ha in Singapore, with the BCA and even a minister coming out to comment on the matter.

And now, six months later, the cinema in question has reopened.

Advertisements
 

Shaw Cinema in Nex Has Reopened, 6 Months After Ventilation Duct Incident

On 26 Mar 2021, a Shaw Theatres spokesperson said that the cinema has resumed operations on 18 Mar 2021.

It resumed operations two weeks ahead of schedule after rectification works to prevent a repeat of the incident was completed.

The rectification works that were proposed by the appointed professional engineer has been “carried out and certified”, the cinema said.

Just to be extra safe, temperature and moisture sensors were also installed.

Last year, the BCA said the collapse was caused by an accumulation of “a significant amount of water” in the insulation material surrounding the duct.

The water resulted in “unforeseen excessive condensation” over a period of time and the weight overloaded the brackets support the duct, causing it to give way.

ST also reported that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has conducted a site check of the cinema on 17 Mar before it reopened.

Patrons’ Reactions

Now, if you were to know that such a major accident took place in a cinema before, chances are, you’d be wary about going there for a movie.

Advertisements
 

The Nex outlet is currently offering special promotions to encourage people to patron their business.

Some patrons interviewed, however, have faith in the system.

One said that while she was “shocked” such a thing could happen, checks must’ve been conducted or “the cinema won’t be allowed to operate (now)”.

Another felt that because the cinema was shut down for some time, they should’ve used the time to “access and fix” the problem.

Nex is reportedly working closely with the theatre to promote their upcoming movies.

Advertisements
 

Due to the duct collapse, BCA has issued an advisory to building owners and the industry regarding best practices for the design and maintenance of their ACMV systems.

All Shaw Theatre outlets were also inspected as well.

On a separate note, don’t say bojio, eh? Got promotions at Shaw Theatres @ Nex now. You can check out their Facebook page here.

Feature Image: Google Maps

Advertisements
 

These five GRCs could see the tightest battle in GE2025; here’s why:

Read Also:


 
Boon Hun
Email: [email protected]
Facebook