A special ground breaking ceremony in Gainsborough marked the start of construction work on the eagerly anticipated £9m Savoy Cinema. West Lindsey District Council and Savoy Cinema announced that Gelder Group have secured the contract to build the state-of-the-art complex in the Market Place.
The development will deliver a 4-screen cinema complex, restaurant, retail units and car parking provision in Gainsborough Town Centre. It is funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP), the governments Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder used a silver spade to break the ground in a symbolic gesture, signalling the start of the work. He said:
Having been born and brought up in Gainsborough, I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the contract to build the exciting new Savoy Cinema.
I am passionate about seeing the town develop and grow in prominence in the years ahead. I am confident that the new cinema will provide an important focus point in the Market Place and have the power to bring many more visitors into the town.
Managing Director Savoy Cinemas Limited, James Collington attended the event. He said:
Today marks a significant milestone in developing our new state-of-the-art cinema, bringing us a step closer to unveiling the Savoy Experience in Gainsborough. We are looking forward to delivering excellent films, entertainment, and cutting-edge cinematic technology in the town centre for the local community and surrounding areas to enjoy.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young and Gainsborough ward member said:
Today we are not only breaking ground on the physical construction of the site, but together with Savoy Cinemas, we are looking forward to working with Steve Gelder and his team, an award-winning construction company based right here in West Lindsey.
The cinema is the anchor project in our Thriving Gainsborough 2024 regeneration programme and it demonstrates our continued commitment to deliver for the people of Gainsborough and surrounding area. This will bring a much-needed leisure offer to the town centre and significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend.
The development will also provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the historic market place, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative is rejuvenating the historic marketplace.
The scheme has been designed to be environmentally efficient, through the inclusion of solar panels and air sourced heat technology. It will also enhance the setting of the Town Centre Conservation Area through its historic design and use of high-quality materials.
Residents and visitors to the town will not only be able to walk through the Market Place and watch the construction get underway but we are delighted to confirm that we will be sharing a special timelapse images at intervals throughout the build for people to see.
