Multiplex plan: Anger over lack of consultation

A RESTAURANT owner has slammed a lack of consultation over plans for a city-centre multiplex cinema.

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.