Three multiplex cinema groups have expressed an interest in coming to Hereford as part of the new ESG leisure and retail complex in the city.
Discussions between cinema group representatives, the council, ESG Herefordshire and development partner Stanhope, show that a new cinema, perhaps containing up to eight screens and housed on the dilapidated old livestock market site, would have a considerable effect on the city’s prosperity and social life, with thousands more people visiting the city each week as a result. Many of the patrons will also frequent local shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and clubs – helping to generate an improved evening economy.
Discussions with cinema groups accelerated since the council announced a firm timetable for the relocation of the livestock market. Construction on the new market will start early next year and will be completed by the end of 2010 – providing room on the old livestock market for work on a multiplex to begin in 2011.
Leader of the council Roger Phillips, who has been viewing the type of multiplex that could be on offer, said: “Wide consultation with young people and families has consistently shown that they want a new cinema for Herefordshire.
“Herefordshire Council is keen that the cinema enhances the cultural life of the city, as well as our local economy, linking to the Courtyard Theatre and the heritage attractions of the medieval core of Hereford. Apart from mainstream blockbusters, the multiplex will be using the latest technology to show 3D films like Avatar - and with up to eight screens will bring unprecedented entertainment choice to people in Herefordshire”.
Added Jonathan Bretherton, chief executive of ESG Herefordshire: “From the very beginning, we have been clear that the redeveloped livestock market must offer something special for local people. While more leisure facilities may be top of the list for those in their teenage years and early 20s, all age ranges appreciate the tremendous cultural events in the county – such as the Three Choirs and Borderlines Film Festival. It would be fantastic if the audiences for events like these, and others from around the world, could be widened by using the modern technology offered by the latest state-of-the-art cinema”.