Work on new cinema nearing final stages

A new four-screen cinema in Gainsborough is on course to open in the summer, according to managers.

The £9m project in Market Place comprises a Savoy cinema, two retail units and a restaurant.

Savoy already runs seven cinemas, including screens in Boston and Grantham.

Operations manager Wayne Gregory said the cinema would employ between 20 and 30 people, including permanent staff and students on seasonal contracts.

Local resident Paula Dowe, 57, said: "Maybe in the holidays for the children and families, it [the cinema] might make a difference.

"But I think there's got to be a lot more here to encourage people to come and spend."

Darren Harris, 53, said the cinema would attract more people to Gainsborough.

"It'll be much more for the centre here, because we've got lots of new shops opening up, so it'll be good all round."

Mr Gregory said work was approaching its final stages and the cinema was a couple of months away from opening.

Standing in the projection room, he said: "It's getting close, but there's still so much to do.

"It's hard to imagine at the minute, as it's just an empty room with lots of cables. But, when it's all done, it's like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise up here."

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