Council break lease agreement for new cinema

A lease agreement for a new cinema that was part of a regeneration scheme in Nuneaton has seen the council pull out of the deal.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council confirmed it had left the agreement with Really Local Group by mutual consent this week.

The facility was due to be built in the "leisure box", a part of a £30m regeneration plan in the Abbey Street area of the town that is currently under construction.

The council said the decision had come after "a review of the current market and project outputs", with the developer saying it was disappointed about the move.

Council officials initially entered the agreement with the Really Local Group in 2023.

The group, which specialises in building cinemas and entertainment spaces, said it was "really disappointed" not to be able to continue with the project.

"We respect the fact the council and its development partner have decided to take this project in a different direction than originally planned," it said.

"On this basis, it only seems reasonable we cooperate with them, as working with local community leaders is a core value of our organisation.''

The council said its development partner, Queensberry, will now look to find an alternative use for the "leisure box".

Chris Watkins, leader of the council, said: "The council will work towards securing a new use for the site, to create the best leisure offer for our residents and visitors to the borough.''

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