Movie nights in the northern suburbs are about to get a serious upgrade, with Ster-Kinekor’s revamped Tyger Valley cinema complex bringing luxury screenings, family-friendly entertainment and an immersive virtual reality experience to one destination, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The upgraded complex officially opens to the public on Friday, 9 October 2026, with bookings already open for its latest blockbuster releases and new entertainment offerings.
The revamp goes well beyond a fresh coat of paint. Four distinct cinema and entertainment experiences are being introduced or expanded at the Bellville-area venue, alongside a new Costa Coffee kiosk that will also welcome shoppers looking for a caffeine fix.
The biggest talking point for gaming enthusiasts is SKX-PERIENCE, billed by Ster-Kinekor as Africa’s first free-roam virtual reality (VR) arena located within a cinema complex. Movie lovers, meanwhile, can look forward to a new premium large-format screen, two luxury theatres and a colourful cinema designed specifically for children.
Ster-Kinekor’s chief marketing officer, Lynne Wylie, says the investment is about giving audiences more ways to enjoy their time at Tyger Valley, whether they are planning a family outing, a date night or an action-packed gaming session.
A bigger, bolder way to watch movies
At the centre of the makeover is APEX Cinema, Ster-Kinekor’s new premium large-format experience making its debut at the reopened Tyger Valley complex.
Rather than a conventional screen, the auditorium features a large wraparound display extending close to the walls and ceiling. The design aims to draw viewers further into the action, making it particularly appealing to those who want a more immersive blockbuster experience.
The technology behind the screen is just as important as its size. APEX uses 4K laser projection to deliver brighter images, sharper clarity and greater detail, supported by a 16.1-channel sound system.
Multiple subwoofers positioned around the auditorium and behind the screen add depth to the audio, allowing audiences to hear and feel the impact of the film.
Wylie says the experience has been designed for moviegoers who want premium technology, impressive visuals and immersive sound to make every screening feel bigger.
One of the titles lined up for the new APEX screen is Digger, starring Tom Cruise.
Luxury movie nights with Cine Prestige
For those who prefer comfort and a more exclusive atmosphere, two of the upgraded auditoriums have reopened as Cine Prestige theatres.
The format is Ster-Kinekor’s take on a business-class cinema experience, with single and double red leather reclining seats designed to make settling in for a film that little bit more indulgent.
Guests will also have access to an adjoining lounge, where drinks and snacks can be enjoyed before the screening. Those who prefer not to leave their seats can have refreshments served to them during the movie.
The idea is to give date nights and special occasions a more luxurious feel without leaving the familiar cinema setting. The new Cine Prestige theatres will also screen titles such as Tony and Verity.
A cinema made for younger movie fans
Families have their own reason to visit, with Tyger Valley gaining Ster-Kinekor’s bright and colourful Kids’ Cinema concept.
Designed around younger audiences, the cinema includes beanbag seating in vibrant colours, with larger seats positioned towards the back. Its dedicated foyer features activity tables and a catering counter, creating a more playful environment than a traditional cinema waiting area.
The setup is intended to make movie outings enjoyable for children while giving parents an opportunity to relax as the little ones are entertained.
The Kids’ Cinema can also be used for birthday celebrations, offering families a chance to host a movie party with special ticket prices for children and their friends.
Animated releases planned for younger audiences include Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom and Forgotten Island.
Step inside Africa’s first cinema-based free-roam VR arena
While the cinema upgrades cater to different kinds of moviegoers, SKX-PERIENCE introduces something new for gamers and anyone curious about virtual reality.
The dedicated arena accommodates up to six players at a time. Equipped with VR headsets, haptic controllers and spatial tracking technology, participants can move around physically, dodge obstacles and interact with virtual environments in real time.
Its game library covers a range of experiences, from tactical shooters such as The Finals to underwater adventures in Ocean Depths and prehistoric exploration in Dinosaur Park. Sci-fi combat experiences are also part of the offering.
Unlike a conventional VR setup where players remain largely in one spot, the free-roam format allows participants to move through a shared play area as they explore digital worlds.
The experience is intended for people aged 12 and older, making it an option for families with older children, casual gamers and groups looking for something different to do. Ster-Kinekor also sees potential for corporate team-building sessions.
The operator says the arena follows international safety standards, with certified staff overseeing the customer experience.
Costa Coffee opens inside the cinema complex
The revamped entertainment offering is being rounded off with a standalone Costa Coffee kiosk in the cinema foyer.
The kiosk will serve a range of coffee drinks and will be open not only to cinema customers but also to the wider public. Its position inside Tyger Valley Shopping Centre makes it a convenient stop for shoppers who want to grab a coffee on the go.
The opening adds to Costa Coffee’s presence at Ster-Kinekor venues, following existing locations at the V&A Waterfront and Blue Route.
Tyger Valley Shopping Centre general manager Tanya Heimann says the cinema’s transformation strengthens the centre’s position as a destination for experiences that bring different generations together.
She says the combination of APEX, Cine Prestige, Kids’ Cinema, SKX-PERIENCE and Costa Coffee gives visitors more reasons to spend time at the centre, whether they are looking for a family afternoon, a special evening out or an immersive gaming adventure.
The reopening also coincides with the centre’s ‘Gift to You’ campaign.
What can visitors watch during launch weekend?
The opening weekend will feature a mix of films and interactive entertainment, with different options depending on the experience visitors choose.
Moviegoers can catch Digger on the APEX screen, while Cine Prestige offers a more luxurious setting for titles including Tony and Verity. Children can look forward to animated adventures, and gamers can explore the range of virtual reality experiences available at SKX-PERIENCE.
With several formats under one roof, visitors will be able to choose an outing that suits their interests rather than settling for a standard cinema screening.
Cinema discounts and special offers
Customers can also make use of a range of existing Ster-Kinekor loyalty and partner offers when planning a visit.
These include:
- The Epic Deal: SK Club members can get a movie ticket, drink and popcorn for R169.90 from Monday to Friday. Signing up to SK Club is free.
- Half-price Tuesdays: Discounted movie tickets are available for Tuesday screenings across the cinemas.
- Pensioner discounts: Eligible pensioners can access reduced ticket prices.
- Discovery Vitality: Members can receive ticket discounts of up to 50%, subject to the applicable offer terms.
- Pick n Pay Smart Shopper: Customers can redeem Smart Shopper points for a movie ticket.
- Discovery Vitality for under-18s: Younger members can access free movies for screenings starting before 19:00, subject to the programme’s terms.
- Visitors should check the applicable booking conditions and offer availability before purchasing tickets.
The upgraded Ster-Kinekor Tyger Valley complex officially opens on Friday, 9 October 2026, offering movie lovers, families and gamers a new mix of entertainment experiences in the Western Cape.
From a wraparound big screen and reclining luxury seats to a colourful children’s cinema and a free-roam VR arena, the makeover gives visitors several ways to turn an ordinary trip to the movies into a more memorable outing.
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