Council reacts to Crewe town centre development 'challenges' following cinema blow
Cheshire East Council has reacted to the latest Crewe town centre development "challenges," following a cinema chain blow.
On Friday 7 July, it was confirmed Empire Cinemas had entered administration with 150 jobs lost and six stores already confirmed for closure.
Empire Cinemas had agreed terms for an eight-screen multiplex in Crewe town centre, back in September 2018.
The deal, struck with Cheshire East's Crewe development partner, Peveril Securities and Cordwell, was the first sign-up to the leisure side of the Royal Arcade scheme.
The latest administration news leaves Empire Cinemas' commitment to Crewe in doubt.
Vice chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, reacted to the announcement.
He said: "The announcement that Empire Cinemas has now entered into administration is reflective of the significant commercial pressures facing the leisure and retail sector across the country.
"High levels of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis just some of the ongoing challenges.
"We continue to work with our commercial partners to develop proposals for the remaining part of the Royal Arcade site.
"Over the coming months, the council's economy and growth committee will be considering an update on this."
Currently, no other sign-ups have been confirmed for Crewe's Royal Arcade leisure development.
Crewe's new bus station and multi-storey car park is expected to be completed by early 2024.
READ MORE: Main road remains closed after lorry crashes into Crewe railway bridge.
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