Providing seats for around 800 customers, the cinema will be the centre-piece of the Royal Arcade scheme which Peveril Securities, and their development managers, Cordwell Property Group, have been working on since being selected as Cheshire East Council’s preferred development partners in 2017.
Justin Ribbons of Empire Cinemas said “We are delighted to announce our plans for a new cinema in Crewe. Our main screen will feature a hi-tech ‘impact’ screen showing the latest blockbuster movies to 230 customers seated in luxury seats, including some in a new sofa format. Our 17-seater ‘D Box’ will be one of the first in the UK where the moviegoers’ reclining seats react to the action on screen.
“We are the leading independently-owned cinema chain in the UK with 14 locations. We share the ambitious plans of the council and the developer for the regeneration of Crewe town centre and believe that our cinema can play a big part in enhancing the night time economy of Crewe and make it an exciting place for families to spend their time.
“We are also committed to working with local businesses and organisations to help make Empire the heart of the local community.”
Cordwell has confirmed that it is in advanced talks with other occupiers in the Royal Arcade scheme.
Cordwell spokesman, William Warrack, said: “We have had strong interest from another leisure operator and expect to be able to make a further announcement in the coming weeks. We’re also in discussion with a number of restaurant operators, who are keen to have a presence in Crewe, reflecting the growth of the town and current lack of restaurants in the locality.”
The creation of the Royal Arcade Scheme will create a high quality, mixed use leisure quarter within an environment of a connected public realm space that reflects the character and identity of Crewe and which will become the catalyst for further leisure and retail facilities within the town.
Further announcements regarding occupiers and operators will follow as the leisure-led scheme is developed alongside our partners.