Multiplex plan: Anger over lack of consultation
A RESTAURANT owner has slammed a lack of consultation over
plans for a city-centre multiplex cinema.
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FRONT PAGE NEWS: How the Herald broke the story
Steve Gledhill, owner of tapas bar Lorenzos at Derry's
Cross, has criticised the announcement of plans for developing
the neighbouring Reel Cinema.
On Friday The Herald revealed the construction firm which
owns the Reel chain is in talks about swapping the 1938 picture
house with a '21st Century' multiplex.
Loughborough-based firm 3R Construction and Property
Development is also eyeing the nearby Athenaeum as part of the
development, it was reported. Lorenzos is on a site between the
two buildings – with 3R as a landlord.
3R's managing director Kailesh Suri said the company would
be developing the Reel site and “will have a new cinema on
it”.
Mr Gledhill said: “It is difficult to know whether to be
excited or concerned by this announcement as our new landlord
Mr Suri has not as yet introduced himself to us never mind
discuss his plans for the site.”
He said the first he knew of plans was when he read about
them in the paper.
“There are no permissions in place for any kind of
development at all on this site and I do feel it would be
courteous to both myself and my staff to perhaps discuss any
proposals before we read about them in the press,” he said.
“If Mr Suri would like to come and speak to me and see for
himself how busy we are every day then he is most welcome.
Lorenzos would love to form an integral part of the new
development if it was to take place in the future.”
He said that Lorenzos has a lease in place until 2017 and he
intends to continue trading 'until then and beyond'.
Lorenzos has been trading in various formats since 1988. Mr
Gledhill recently launched expansion plans via franchising
whereby other restaurateurs would have the opportunity to
replicate the success of Lorenzos in Plymouth throughout the
South West.
3R's scheme for the former ABC cinema, which needs planning
consent, is in the early stages but negotiations with the
council, staff and 'other parties' are continuing. It is
understood the cinema will close on October 2.
Athenaeum president Jo Power has said the theatre has no
plans to sell the site, despite interest from developers.
10 Comments
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by Suzannah, Stoke
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 9:43PM
“Molly, I love your enthusiasm, but do you seriously think that the average Plymouthian would know what an "art house film" is?
Mason - who the heck if President Power?”
by Mason Hipster, The Hoe
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 12:21PM
“So the new plans are to make the complex into a circus? I don't think that's a very progressive idea as circuses are poorly attended these days, especially since they banned animals. When I was a kid I'd go to the circus and it was always sold out. We'd all cheer as the lion tamer whacked a lion with a chair. It's not a coincidence that numbers fell off when this was stopped. A classic example of how the so called do-gooders end up destroying what they claim to protect simply by not understanding it.”
by Sue, Plymouth
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 12:02PM
“Mason its pretty obvious some people come on here to put across adult views and not for a mickey taking session cos they have nothing better to do, maise has made a valid sensible adult comment like a lot of other people try to do before it gets turned into a circus”
by Mason Hipster, the Hoe
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 11:54AM
“MaisieM - you are clearly someone in the know so why are you blatently ignoring the underpants debate?”
by MaisieM, Plymouth
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 11:35AM
“Molly, with the exception of the Theatre Royal, the Athenaeum is the largest theatre in Plymouth - hardly a church hall. It hosts many differnt groups and is used by various award winning companies like the Gilbert & Sullivan Society and The Wranglers, both of whom are known for their sell out, highly professional shows. It is worth remembering that the Barbican and Drum provide more flexibles spaces for the types of performances your 'niche' audiences wish to see. Most local theatre companies cannot cater for niche audiences, their overheads are too great and any finanical success relies on getting the biggest audience possible for every show.
I do agree however, that the Athenaeum building needs a complete spring-clean. The theatre part actually has some decent, modern equipment but is let down by the poor seating and decor.”