WORK at Bell Court started this week on construction on the new four screen Everyman cinema.
The steel frames which will form the structure of the 12,000 sq ft cinema are currently being put in place with the external cladding due to be installed over the summer.
In addition to the cinema, which will be located on the first floor of the building, there will be three ground floor units, as well as a larger unit next to the cinema. The retained buildings will also be revamped.
The construction of the cinema follows completion of all demolition work – including the former Somerfield and Birthdays units – at the former Town Square site as part of UK & European Investment’s £30 million redevelopment.
John Stacey, asset management director at UK & European Investments, said: “As set out in our initial plans, we’re on track to open the doors to the new shops, restaurants and, of course, cinema at Bell Court in spring next year. The start of construction of the new cinema represents the next milestone on the redevelopment where people will start to see the new scheme take shape.
“Our aim is for Bell Court to become Stratford’s key retail and leisure destination. We’re currently in conversations with a number of high quality retailers that will further add to the diverse offering of Bell Court and ensure it retains a vibrancy both day and night.”
In addition to Everyman cinema, the developers have signed a deal with Byron that will see a specialist hamburger restaurant opening at Bell Court.
Major enhancements will also be made to the public area, including outdoor seating, landscaping, feature lighting and the introduction of public open space for events and outdoor entertainment.
UK & European Investments, 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.
