Regeneration plans for Crewe town centre have taken a step forward today, with the announcement that Empire Cinemas has agreed terms for a new state-of-the-art, eight-screen multiplex cinema.
The 800-seat cinema will be centre-piece of the proposed Royal Arcade scheme, which Peveril Securities and their development managers Cordwell Property Group have been working on since being selected as Cheshire East Council’s preferred development partners last year.
Justin Ribbons of Empire Cinemas commented: “We are delighted to announce our plans for a new cinema in Crewe.”
Justin said: “Our main screen will feature a hi-tech ‘impact’ screen showing the latest blockbuster movie to 230 customers seated in luxury seats, including some in a new sofa format.
“Our 17-seater ‘D Box’ will be one of the first in the UK where the moviegoers’ reclining seats react to the action on screen.”
He added: “We share the ambitious plans of the council and the developer for the regeneration of Crewe town centre and believe that our cinema can play a big part in reviving the night-time economy of Crewe and make it an exciting place for families to spend their time.
“We are also committed to working with local businesses and organisations to help make Empire the heart of the local community.”
Cordwell Property Group has confirmed that it is in advanced talks with other occupiers in the Royal Arcade scheme.
Cordwell spokesman William Warrack said: “We have had strong interest from another leisure operator and expect to be able to make a further announcement in the coming weeks.
“We’re also in discussion with a number of restaurant operators, who are keen to have a presence in Crewe, reflecting the growth of the town and current lack of restaurants in the locality.”
Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, was pleased with today’s announcement.
Cllr Arnold said: “This is great news for Crewe and only the start of delivering the council’s ambitious programme to regenerate the town centre which, along with HS2, will truly transform Crewe as a place to live, work and visit.”
He added: “Alongside investment from Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the council will be supporting the costs of the public elements of the scheme, including the new bus station, multi-storey car park and public realm.”
Peveril and Cordwell have also released new images of their plans for the overall redevelopment, which will form part of their planning application next year.
Final plans are expected to be completed over the coming months, and work on the site should commence in late summer 2019.
It’s anticipated the scheme will be completed by summer 2021.
