Chartered surveyor Banks Long & Co has revealed it is continuing to play a key role in the multi-million expansion of a privately-run cinema chain.
The Lincoln-based firm acted on behalf of Savoy Cinemas to source a site for, and deliver, a new state-of-the-art six-screen venue in Corby town centre.
The development – built by Mulberry Developments on the Tresham College site – marks the ongoing regeneration of this Northamptonshire town. The landmark scheme also features three new restaurants, let to Prezzo, Nandos and Spur Burgers.
Savoy is maintaining its roll-out programme. Banks Long & Co Managing Director Tim Bradford said it had also found another site for Savoy, in Doncaster. The proposed cinema is now going through the planning process.
Savoy, which acquired its first cinema in Nottingham in 1994, before adding Boston’s West End cinema in 2002 and launching a new venue in Worksop in 2012, is showing its confidence at a time when major blockbusters are causing a real buzz among cinemagoers.
“It is very satisfying to see such an impressive new cinema and restaurant scheme open in Corby and good to know that it has provided a 900-plus seat entertainment venue and also created about 20 jobs,” said Mr Bradford.
“We are progressing with a number of new opportunities and I can announce that Savoy is committed to acquiring a new six-screen cinema in the cultural/civic quarter of Doncaster.
“A planning application has been submitted and we are working with Muse Developments, which has already completed an impressive new office building for Doncaster Council, the Cast Theatre and public realm works.
“The proposed new cinema will be built next to new restaurant units and will complete the regeneration of the Waterdale area in Doncaster.”
Savoy Cinemas Managing Director James Collington said: “We are delighted with the new cinema in Corby. This venue has created jobs and is already trading above expectations.
“We are keen to acquire more sites and, with Doncaster now in for planning permission and other locations being progressed, we are confident that the quality of the Savoy brand can be taken to many other locations across the UK over the coming months.”
The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) – which represents the interests of more than 90 per cent of cinema operators by number and market share – said that June figures revealed that cinema admissions rose 30 per cent on the same month in 2014, putting 2015 on track to be “a great year for the industry.”
