Cinema chain Cineworld was today named as the operator of the six-screen multiplex which will be part of Swindon’s long-awaited £50m Regent Circus leisure scheme
The new state-of-the-art, all-digital cinema will form a key part of the development by Ashfield Land which will transform a neglected area of the town centre dominated by the derelict former Swindon College building.
The proposed development has already attracted other major occupiers including supermarket giant Morrison’s and a number of leading restaurant chains including Ask.
The Regent Circus scheme has detailed planning consent for a superstore, eight restaurants, a multiplex cinema, and a 450-space car park.
Andrew Fisher, managing director of Bristol-based Ashfield Land, said: “The cinema deal is a major step forward for the Regent Circus project and is an important piece in the jigsaw for the transformation of this part of Swindon town centre.
“I am delighted to welcome Cineworld to Regent Circus and I know they will provide the people of Swindon and visitors with a first class movie-going experience. To have so many enquiries from major occupiers demonstrates how attractive the Regent Circus development is and the tremendous appeal of a rejuvenated Swindon town centre. We look forward to making further exciting announcements very shortly.”
Cineworld CEO Steve Wiener added: “We are very pleased with today’s announcement of this addition to our estate of multiplex cinemas. We are extremely proud of having achieved our status as the most visited cinema company in the UK since 2009 and Regent Circus will only enhance our ability to provide entertainment to the residents of the greater Swindon area.”
Ashfield Land acquired the freehold in 2006 which facilitated Swindon College’s relocation to a new £17m campus. It will fund the development with a mixture of debt and equity. Work on demolishing the existing college buildings will begin this spring.
