Vision for new Stafford Riverside cinema revealed
Film lovers have been given a glimpse of what Stafford’s new cinema complex will look like when it is finally finished.
Work is progressing well on the construction of the complex at Riverside, which will have six screens and 800 seats once completed.
Developers Simons are on site after work started in March and have said the project is on track. They are contracted to have it finished by June.
Project manager Roland Spikings said: “We are currently on programme at this moment in time.
“Every site presents its own challenges and this is a brownfield site.
“Therefore there have been some brownfield challenges, which we have overcome, and we are now on course.”
He added: “One of the best things about being very transparent is that people in Stafford have been coming into our office to ask about it. It’s superb.
“For the people of Stafford it is something that they really want to happen and they are keen to understand what is going on.”
Visitors to the town will have seen new hoardings at the plot displaying images of what the completed Odeon cinema will look like.
They reveal that the entrance will come out on to Bridge Street, while the walkway will link around to new units underneath the Riverside car park.
Odeon is yet to announce when it will open the cinema.
It is understood the arrival of the cinema will coincide with other restaurants opening nearby, including underneath the multi-story car park.
Nando’s and Frankie and Bennys restaurants have already been opened, with other chains expected to follow suit – possibly including Prezzo and Chiquito which have previously been touted.
A source close to the project said: “There has been a lot of interest in the vacant units underneath the multi-storey car park with a number of big names lining up to take the restaurants and eating places there.
“The opening of those will likely be in line with the opening of the cinema.”
