Progress made on £9m cinema scheme

The Gelder Group has issued an update on the construction of the £9m Savoy cinema in Gainsborough.

This project was announced earlier this year by West Lindsey District Council and Savoy Cinemas, after the Gelder Group won the contract to build the new complex. Work started in February and is being funded by contributions from the council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.

Work is also underway on the units surrounding what will be a four-screen cinema, which will be used as retail and restaurant spaces.

Gelder Group’s site manager Craig Elston said: “We are pleased with the progress being made on site. Everything is running to schedule.

“The foundations for the cinema and retail/restaurant units are now in place and the steel framework for the cinema is finished. We have just moved on to erecting the steel framework for the three three-storey units, two of which will overlook the Market Place.
West Lindsey District Council Leader Councillor Trevor Young had also watched as the steel structure was lifted into place.

“It is also wonderful that our officers were able to showcase this progress to the town’s children during a recent visit to our council office at the Guildhall, which offers a fantastic view of the construction of the new cinema,” he said.

“The project is on track to be delivered on time and within budget. The regeneration of our town centre through the Townscape Heritage Initiative and our Thriving Gainsborough project, which includes the new Savoy Cinema is sparking increased interest from other investors,” he added.

It is the hopes of the town’s Thriving Gainsborough 2024 regeneration project that this new site will increase footfall, as well as provide a walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the marketplace. This historic setting is also being worked on due to investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Savoy Cinemas managing director James Collington added: “This marks a significant stride toward our goal of providing the Gainsborough community with a modern cinema equipped with cutting-edge technology, eliminating the need for residents to venture elsewhere to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies.”