THE REDEVELOPMENT of Bell Court has reached a new milestone following the handover of the cinema.
Everyman has now started work to fit out the four screen cinema complex which will be at the heart of the £30million renovation.
Crispin Lilly, Chief Executive Officer at Everyman Media Group, said: “This is a very exciting time for us as we get ever closer to opening our first Everyman cinema in Warwickshire.
“We anticipate that the fit out will take roughly 15 weeks, with the cinema expected to be open to the public in June.”
And Bell Court developers UK & European Investments are preparing to hand over more units.
John Stacey, asset management director at UK & European Investments, said: “Handing over the cinema to Everyman marks a key point in the redevelopment of Bell Court and begins the countdown to the opening of what is set to be a hugely desirable retail and leisure destination in Stratford.
Pedestrian routes through the development will also be opening over the next few weeks.
Mr Stacey added: “We will also shortly be handing over restaurant units to Byron, Miller and Carter and All Bar One; all of which should be opening at a similar time to Everyman.
“Walking through, local people and visitors will be able to get their first glimpse of how the development has evolved over the past 12 months.
“Changes include a new green wall, improved public realm, seating, lighting and landscaping, as well as the remodelling of buildings within Bell Court.”
UK & European, acting as investment manager, owns the lease to Bell Court – two thirds of which is owned by Stratford District Council and one third by Stratford Town Trust.
* Restaurant chain Nando’s has signed a 15 year lease to move into Bell Court.
The Portuguese-inspired restaurant will occupy a 2,500 sq ft unit overlooking the central courtyard at the development, with additional outdoor seating.
The unit will be handed over to Nando’s for fit out in the next couple of months, with the aim of opening in the summer.
Nando’s will join other restaurants, including Byron, Miller & Carter and All Bar One.
