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Construction work starts on Cinema 16 Oct 2019 Construction work starts on Mulberry Place cinema development

15 October, 2019

 

Construction work starts on Mulberry Place cinema development

 

The construction of Daventry’s new cinema gets fully under way this month as contractors start installing the foundations for the Mulberry Place development.

 

Daventry District Council (DDC) has appointed construction firm Willmott Dixon to carry out the £12.5m transformation of the former library site off North Street, Daventry, into a new four-screen cinema complex, with restaurants, public square and splash fountains.

 

Following the demolition of the former library buildings and archaeological digs this summer, work will now start on installing the piled foundations for the new cinema building, which will enable the steel frame structure to go up early next year.

 

The development is expected to take around 18 months to complete, with the cinema set to open its doors in spring 2021. DDC appointed Willmott Dixon as contractors using the Scape National Construction Framework, which specialises in procuring the most efficient suppliers for the public sector.

 

DDC and Willmott Dixon have already worked together as part of the framework to deliver the Rainsbrook Crematorium and Monksmoor Primary School developments.

 

The Council has also reached a deal with The Arc Cinema to run the cinema complex and is now working towards signing up tenants for the two restaurants that form part of the development. Arc will be instructing their own contractor to undertake the specialist fit out works associated with the Cinema building, and they will commence those activities toward the end of 2020, overlapping with Willmott Dixon’s finishing works externally.

 

Ian Vincent, Chief Executive at Daventry District Council, said: “We’re pleased to have appointed Willmott Dixon to build this flagship development in Daventry town centre.

“They already have a strong track record in helping us to deliver construction projects within our local community and we look forward to working with them to turn our plans for a new cinema into reality by spring 2021.”

 

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are looking forward to working with Daventry District Council once again, this time on its Mulberry Place development, to create a new social and leisure space in the centre of town that can be enjoyed by local communities.

 

“At Willmott Dixon, we have a purpose beyond profit and that includes being passionate about leaving a lasting positive legacy, something that Mulberry Place will provide for many decades to come. Over the duration of the scheme, we have committed to investing into the local community. This will see us working with local schools and colleges on community projects, as well as sourcing local spend and labour wherever possible.”

 

Press release number: 2628

 

For further information please contact:

Ian O’Pray, Media Officer at Daventry District Council, on 01327 302310 or email [email protected]