Cinema deal 'not far away' says council leader

Council leader Richard Wright says a new cinema for Sleaford remains a "key objective"

An agreement on a new cinema in Sleaford is "not too far away", a council leader has said.

The idea for the 300-seat cinema was initially raised in 2019, but had to be abandoned due to rising costs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

North Kesteven District Council agreed to invest £2.2m from its latest budget, taking the amount available for the cinema development up to £5m, ensuring it is ready if an agreement is signed.

Council leader Richard Wright said the authority remained "fully committed to our intention to deliver a new cinema for the area".

He said: "Currently there are complex legal discussions underway with a potential operator to bring forward a fresh proposal that sits within a broader vision of regeneration.

"I am optimistic that we are not too far away now from concluding what are called heads of terms and so it is essential to have the funds committed and put aside for as soon as they are needed."

Wright said opening the cinema remained a "key objective", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The original plans included building the cinema in the heart of the town, along with a new footbridge over the River Slea to connect Money's Yard to Market Place.

The council's 10-year plan, which was agreed last week, also earmarked £177m to provide new homes, including £41m to build new council homes and £136m for properties under the council-owned Lafford Homes.

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