Plans are being finalised to bring a four-screen 320-seat cinema to the heart of Sleaford.
In partnership with operator Savoy Cinemas Ltd, a multi-million-pound investment package will enable North Kesteven District Council to bring forward this long-held aspiration for community benefit and economic opportunity within the District.
Savoy’s planning application for a site within Money’s Yard is imminent, and subject to a positive planning outcome the cinema could be open in Autumn 2027.
Located in the middle of town, with easy access from Southgate, adjacent parking and proximity to other businesses, bars, restaurants and cultural venues, District Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said it will bring investment right into the heart of Sleaford.
Almost seven years on from the previous application that was killed off by the impacts of the Covid pandemic on the cinema industry, he 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.”
“It’s a promise that we made some time ago. It’s something that’s been asked for year after year. Whenever we’ve consulted on what is it that people want both in Sleaford and North Kesteven, it’s a cinema.
“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,” said Cllr Wright.
“It’s also something that the Council has been aspiring to achieve for a long time and so I’m very proud to say that with investment from the Council and investment from Savoy we are now turning that aspiration into a reality.”
The old Citizens’ Advice building in Money’s Yard will be demolished to clear the site alongside the river for the cinema building, as will the old toilet block to reconfigure access and parking around it.
Alongside the new Changing Places toilets, and with access to Southgate, Carre Street and potentially longer-term across the river to the Market Place, plus more parking coming later this year at Kesteven Street, taken together the linked projects represent significant enhancement for the way people move around and engage with the town centre.
“So this is very good news for Sleaford, it’s very good news for North Kesteven and it’s very good news for cinema-goers, that we’re delivering on the promise we made and they won’t have to go elsewhere to see the latest films,” said Cllr Wright.
Additional to the Council’s commitment to ensure that the project can be delivered, Savoy are also investing significant sums in the scheme, which unlocks additional private investment in the town.
As an independent cinema-chain, Savoy is dedicated to opening new locations in smaller market towns, making the experience of cinema as accessible as possible.
Managing Director James Collington said: “We are delighted to announce our plans to bring the Savoy experience to the residents of Sleaford through a brand new venue.”
The proposals are for a brick-faced building that reflects its setting and the historic townscape through its design and materials, with a glass-fronted foyer and four screens with capacity of between 70 and 100 seats, totalling around 320.
Parking, including disabled provision, will continue within a reconfigured Money’s Yard and with the new car park at Kesteven Street bringing 45 new parking spaces, taken together, the Council has ensured no overall reduction in availability.
Internally, Savoy – which already operates eight cinemas including in Grantham, Boston, Gainsborough and Nottingham – promises ‘a state-of-the-art cinema experience, well-proportioned screens, clear sightlines, latest audio-visual technologies, recliner seating and improved comfort levels’.
The concept designs illustrate what is planned by Savoy for the Money’s Yard site. Other image Cllr Wright on the site.
