East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) has appointed Turnstone Estates as the developer for a new £15 million Cineworld-anchored leisure scheme in Ely.
Cambridge-based Turnstone Estates envisages a 47,600 sq ft development, to be known as Ely Leisure Village, comprising a six-screen multiplex cinema with five restaurants and three drive-thru restaurants. There will be parking for 375 cars.
Mooky Greidinger, Chief Executive Officer of Cineworld Group, says “All of us at Cineworld are very pleased to be bringing a new 6 screen Multiplex Cinema to Ely. We are excited that we will be offering a new entertainment experience as part of the Ely Leisure Village development, with all of the latest Digital and 3D technology. We look forward to welcoming the Ely community and sharing our passion for film with local residents.”
The developer exchanged contracts in December 2013 with the local authority on the acquisition of the 6.5 acre site in Downham Road, to the north west of the city centre, and hopes to submit a planning application this Spring.
Subject to gaining approval it is hoped that work will commence on site in the Autumn of this year with completion 12 months later.
The planning application will also include a second phase of the development, comprising a district leisure centre, owned by ECDC, and to be delivered separately once funding is secured.
Tim Deacon, a director of Turnstone Estates, says: “Our strong track record in creating similar regional projects and close tenant relationships was fundamental in Turnstone being selected. Ely Leisure Village is an exciting development that will provide much needed amenities to this vibrant city. We are delighted to have signed Cineworld, which will be our third scheme with them. ”
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Chairman of Community and Environment Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council said: “Helping to deliver a cinema at the Downham Road site is one of the key priorities for the District Council, so today is a very special occasion. By attracting such significant investment and such world renowned brands, East Cambridgeshire is showing how attractive a place it is to come and do business. Our residents have asked us to help bring about new leisure activities to the district and the announcement today shows are serious intent to fulfill our promises.”
Turnstone Estates is being advised by Wareing & Partners, architects are CMP Architects. Carter Jonas acted for the Council.