Colchester Council has provided an update on the situation regarding the vacant Cineworld site at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park. It was previously announced that Cineworld would not be coming to the location due to financial difficulties. The original plan was for Cineworld to open a 12-screen complex at the park, which would have been a major attraction.
However, despite this setback, Colchester Council is actively working to secure a new cinema operator for the site. Council leader, Councillor David King, has mentioned that there are currently discussions with four different cinema operators who are interested in taking over the location. Additionally, there has been significant interest from potential tenants for other vacant units within the leisure park.
The council is hopeful that a new cinema operator will be in place by the summer of 2025, in anticipation of a resurgence in the cinema industry. This news has been met with enthusiasm by residents like Hayley Dowman, who enjoys going to the cinema with her son. She expressed her support for the idea of a new cinema, mentioning that Vue would be her top choice, followed by Odeon.
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources, Councillor Mark Cory, has also expressed optimism about the future of the Northern Gateway site. He believes that despite the challenges faced by the UK economy and the cinema sector, the addition of a new cinema operator will not only provide entertainment options for residents but also create employment opportunities and generate revenue for the local economy.
In light of the current economic climate and the impact of the pandemic on various industries, projects like the one at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park are crucial for the community. The council is committed to making the park a vibrant destination for families and visitors, and the addition of a new cinema operator is seen as a positive step towards achieving that goal. With multiple operators expressing interest, the future looks bright for the leisure park and the residents of Colchester.
