Boston, Nottingham and Worksop-based Savoy Cinemas in expansion hopes in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire-based chartered surveyor Banks Long & Co today (Wednesday) reported that its search for potential new Savoy Cinema sites is gathering momentum.

Three months ago the St Mary’s Street firm was instructed by Savoy Cinemas’ Managing Director James Collington, to proactively identify new areas into which he could expand his portfolio and create new jobs.

And the owner of Savoy Cinemas is hoping to encourage those with buildings or land which might be suitable sites to come forward - adding that he is “particularly interested” in Lincolnshire locations.

Banks Long & Co Director Tim Bradford said: “Since our appointment we have been actively searching for potential new cinema sites across the Midlands and Northern England.

“We have identified a number of opportunities, which we are now pursuing. However, Savoy would ultimately like to have a dozen or so venues, so we are keen to hear from property companies, developers and local authorities who may have just what we are looking for.

“We believe there are local councils with land and buildings which may be surplus to their requirements or which are proving difficult to dispose of,” said Mr Bradford. “Alternatively, an investor might own a substantially-sized vacant building or surplus land which could be redeveloped to everyone’s benefit.”

Savoy Cinemas’ Managing Director, James Collington, said: “I am encouraged by the significant progress that Banks Long & Co is making. I am particularly interested in towns and cities within Lincolnshire as we are searching for locations within 100-miles of Nottingham, although I would consider locations which are slightly further afield.

“Quality is the most important factor, but we are happy to look at edge-of-town sites, as well as prime town or city locations.”

Mr Collington acquired the Nottingham Savoy in 1994, then went on to add Boston’s West End cinema in 2002. He launched The Savoy in Worksop last year and he believes that now is the ideal time to build the Savoy brand.

In 2012, the UK total box office revenue was £1,099,095,773 – a 5.9 per cent rise on 2011 figures. UK admissions were up 0.5 per cent on the previous year to 172,498,775 according to industry figures.

And The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association said that June 2013 saw cinema admissions reach their highest June level for at least a decade, as the Summer season on the big screen got off to a busy start.

Councils, landowners and developers with sites which are potentially suitable for a new multi-screen cinema – capable of serving an immediate catchment of more than 40,000 people are urged to call Mr Bradford on 01522 544515.