July 29, 2016 1.32 pm This story is over 92 months old

Search begins for operators of £4.6m Grantham cinema complex

Plans for a new £4.6 million multiplex cinema in Grantham have moved forward as South Kesteven District Council try to find an operator for the lease. Councillors agreed in May, 2016 to consider the opportunity to enhance the original cinema scheme by knocking down part of the existing council buildings and creating a walkway into St…
Artist's impression of the multiplex cinema in Grantham which the council's plans will link to.

Plans for a new £4.6 million multiplex cinema in Grantham have moved forward as South Kesteven District Council try to find an operator for the lease.

Councillors agreed in May, 2016 to consider the opportunity to enhance the original cinema scheme by knocking down part of the existing council buildings and creating a walkway into St Peter’s Hill.

The complex is expected to create more than 20 cinema jobs and there will be additional jobs available in restaurants and adjoining businesses.

The site is currently used as a council car park and until recently, it also housed the Grantham Senior Citizens’ Club, which has moved to a temporary home at the Jubilee Church.

Work to create a new senior citizens’ centre will begin as soon as possible next to the Welham Street car park.

Artist's impression of the cinema from St Catherine's Road, Grantham

Artist’s impression of the cinema from St Catherine’s Road, Grantham

Potential operators have until September 2 to submit their bid to the council to let it know if they are interested in running the new cinema.

It is anticipated that a formal lease agreement could be signed in spring next year.

Upon finding an operator, work would begin on the St Catherine’s Road site in summer next year with the cinema open for business 12 months later.

Leader of the council, Councillor Bob Adams said: “We expect interest from a range of operators who are known to be active in the market at the moment.

“We are committed to providing Grantham with a multiplex cinema, which will provide a massive boost to the night time economy and be a springboard for the regeneration of the town centre.”