Is Cleethorpes cinema operator treading water before committing to Freshney Place revamp?

                                                                

The Parkway cinema - a real success story for Cleethorpes but is it having second thoughts about Grimsby? 

JUST when everyone thought Parkway had done a deal to launch  a five-screen cinema in Grimsby, a potential competitor has appeared on the radar.

Without naming Parkway, which runs the popular Cleethorpes multiplex, North East Lincolnshire Council has this week stated: "The cinema operator has again confirmed their enthusiasm for the project."

But for some mystery reason  the authority  then goes on to 'big up'  The Light’ cinema company which has multiplexes in  Addlestone, Banbury, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, New Brighton, Redhill, Sheffield, Sittingbourne, Stockport, Thetford, Walsall and Wisbech. 

A report to councillors states: "'The Light' has recently been acquired by a consortium with a large new banking facility.

"This will enable the business to invest £15-million  over the next couple of years with the aim of doubling the size to 26 venues."

It continues: "The emerging trend is for smaller more agile operators to step into the cinema market space. 

"The sector is experiencing a so-called ‘flight to quality’ with customers expecting more from a visit, in terms of experience and also complementary activities. 

"The growth of these smaller multiplex and boutique operators who have gained ticket sales from the dominant players include Everyman, Picture House and Curzon. 

"Rather than the homogenised venues historically offered by the large multiples, these operators are able to tailor their operations to better fit local demographics and demands such as providing live shows, streaming of events and also a space where people may choose to go for a drink without actually entering the screen area."

Whoever the operator (if any), the  cinema proposed for Grimsby would be part of NELC's vision for a Family Entertainment Centre  in a revamped Freshney Place.

This would also include four places to eat and/or drink which would sit alongside shops plus a food hall and fringe market to be accommodated in premises once occupied by the BHS store.

                                              

The council's vision for a revamped Freshney Place

The Grimsby News says: This like a 'twist' from, well, a  movie? If terms with Parkway have indeed been agreed, why is NELC flying the flag for  another cinema group?  Is Parkway perhaps less 'enthusiastic' than is being claimed? Pending greater clarity on its likely neighbours in the  Family Entertainment Centre, is its management  cautious about putting a legally-binding signature to the dotted line. And is the council's  talk of a potential competitor a ruse to force Parkway's hand? It's all a bit of  a mystery - but is that not often the way with NELC and its workings?