New cinema to show first films in autumn 2027

2 hours ago

Jamie WallerLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — If approved, Sleaford's old Citizens' Advice building will be demolished to make way for the Savoy cinema

North Kesteven District Council An artist's impression of the Savoy cinema building, with large windows and branding on the walls. — If approved, Sleaford's old Citizens' Advice building will be demolished to make way for the Savoy cinema

The first films are expected to be shown at a new four-screen cinema in a Lincolnshire town in the autumn of 2027, a council says.

The plans to build the Savoy cinema in Sleaford are due to be submitted by North Kesteven District Council later this month.

This is the second time the authority has tried to build a cinema in the town, with Covid-19 disruption stalling the previous plan.

Council leader Richard Wright said: "It's something that people in the town have been asking for, people outside of the town have been asking for and it's something that we promised that we would deliver on."

The town's old Citizens' Advice building would be demolished to make way for the cinema in Money's Yard, the council said.

North Kesteven District Council An artist's impression of the Savoy cinema building. It shows a close-up of the entrance and people walking. — The cinema will have four screens and 320 seats

At the moment, Sleaford residents have to travel 20 miles (32km) to visit cinemas in Lincoln or Woodall Spa.

Resident Sandra Cheevers said: "Lincoln's fine if you can drive, but for those of us without transport, it's nearly impossible."

She added: "I used to go all the time, so I'm really looking forward to getting back once it's open.

"A cinema would really help the whole town centre and maybe bring more shops in."

Local Democracy Reporting Service Charles and Daniella McKinney standing in Sleaford town centre smiling at the camera. Charles is bald and is wearing a light blue polo T-shirt. Daniella has brown hair tied back and is wearing a colourful patterned jacket. — Charles and Daniella McKinney say they are happy with the plans for a new cinema in Sleaford

Daniella McKinney, who moved from America with her husband Charles four months ago, was shocked to hear how far it is to their closest cinema.

"Is the closest one really 20 miles away? That's such a long way," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

"We were just saying we needed to go to the cinema again. It would be brilliant to have that closer to home."

Alan Bozowskyj said his grandchildren had to travel to Woodhall Spa to go to the cinema. "So they'd love to have something right here in Sleaford," he added.

"It might be the thing to help the town centre, better than more vape shops."

Proposals for a £4m, 300-seat cinema were set out by the council in July 2019, but progress was set back by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wright said: "I am really pleased after all these years of having to wait, that we are now able to confirm an investment to make the cinema a reality."

The planning application is expected to be submitted soon, the LDRS said.

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