Council to consider £5.3m cinema plan

Plans to build a multi-screen cinema in Lichfield could take a step forward this week with council chief set to discuss funding.

Lichfield District Council 's cabinet has been asked to allocate around £5.3m from its Capital Programme and enter into a joint venture with Limited Liability Partnership with Evolve Estates, the owners of Three Spires Shopping Centre.

The cinema complex would be built at the former Debenhams Store in Three Spires Shopping Centre.

Evolve Estates, a property investment and management company which specialises in strategic planning and regeneration, has a portfolio value exceeding £300 million and is part of the M Core group of businesses which has interests in retail, industrial, residential and business property.

The formation of the partnership between Lichfield District Council and Evolve Estates would see both parties invest in the scheme on a 50/50 basis.

The cinema space would be leased to an identified operator which would meet half of th cost of the refit required to create the multi-screen facility.

Alongside the cinema, a range of food and beverage units would be created and discussions have commenced with providers.

A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said: “In addition to providing a leisure attraction which has been called for repeatedly by people across the district, this cinema scheme would spark the regeneration of the Birmingham Road site.

“It would be an important element in our shaping of the area helping to enhance what is already a strong and vibrant city centre. ”

“Cabinet 's recommendation is the first in a two-step approvals process for confirming the council 's investment in the cinema proposal. If it agrees the recommendation, then the final decision on whether to proceed will be taken at Full Council on 20 October ”

The recommendation will be considered by Lichfield District Council 's Cabinet on Tuesday 11 October.