Work to deliver a new four-screen cinema in Daventry town centre has taken a further step forward this week with the formal handover of the building to its operator.

The Arc Cinema has now taken possession of the new cinema building from Daventry District Council’s main contractor Willmott Dixon so they can complete the internal fit-out ahead of a blockbuster summer opening.

Willmott Dixon, meanwhile, will continue work on the rest of the £12.5 million Mulberry Place development, which will feature restaurants, a public square, and decorative fountains.

It is hoped the cinema will open in July – in time for the anticipated release dates of blockbuster movies including Marvel’s Black Widow, Top Gun: Maverick, Suicide Squad and, later in the year, Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 in No Time to Die

Ian Vincent, Chief Executive at Daventry District Council, said:

“This is an exciting moment in this project to create a wonderful new leisure destination for the residents of Daventry District and further afield. It will provide a huge boost to the local economy once it opens, increasing footfall in the town centre and hopefully helping to attract new businesses and investment.

“We’re proud to be able to deliver this for Daventry District and I think it’s a wonderful legacy to leave with the launch of the new West Northamptonshire Council this week.”

Brian Gilligan, of The Arc Cinema, said:

“We are delighted that the time has come to put our exciting plans into action and that we can bring this great new cinema to life.

“We will be working hard over the next few months to get our state-of-the art facility into tip-top condition and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to a cinema that we know is eagerly anticipated.

“Huge thanks are due to the team at Daventry District Council for their tireless commitment to delivering an amazing scheme for Daventry. They, along with their contractor Willmott Dixon, have done a fantastic job in unprecedented circumstances and have delivered a truly landmark building to us to run for the people of Daventry.”

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Daventry District Council to regenerate such a significant part of Daventry’s town centre. As we emerge through the pandemic, we must continue to adapt and evolve our town centres nationwide, in order to boost footfall and support the local economy and job market. Having a background in cinema management, I am particularly excited about this scheme and the great facility it will provide for the local community.”

As well as gaining a new leisure destination in the town centre, the community has also benefitted from the construction project, with Willmott Dixon working with local schools on projects, and sourcing local spend and labour wherever possible.