Steve Webb MP joined local councillors and representatives of Yate Shopping Centre owners Crestbridge and contractors ISG at Friday's ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the start of serious work on the Yate Riverside site. The site preparation work is complete, and construction of the cinema and shop units has now begun.
The Shopping Centre owners expressed their appreciation of the local community's support in the long process of bringing a cinema complex to Yate. Crestbridge appointed Group Property Controller, Mark Hull, said: “I always promised the people of Yate we would deliver a cinema for the town. It is has been a long and often tough ride but it is great news that work is starting onsite. This project is the fruition of many years work by the Member of Parliament, local councillors, and local stakeholders. We are aware that Steve has been campaigning for a cinema in Yate for well over 12 years and it is only right that he and the local community come together to celebrate the start of works. ”
Steve Webb,said: “This is indeed a historic day. It seems many years since we first launched our ‘Cinema 4 Yate’ campaign in response to the strong views expressed by local residents and particularly young people that they wanted Yate to have its own cinema. This major step forward is the product of joint working and partnership over many years between the shopping centre owners, local councillors and local residents. We have persevered through many ups and downs and it is great to be present for the formal beginning of construction works. We look forward to the completion of the project and to a new boost to the economy for the people of Yate and the surrounding area”
The Mayor of Yate, Councillor Wully Perks said: “A cinema has been one of the town’s long held aspirations and is one of the key elements of the town plan. This will be another significant day for the town and will be a major step in the town’s growth. With so much new housing scheduled over the next few years, it is important Yate can offer residents all the facilities that are expected in a town of this size. It will also be a major boost for the local economy bringing jobs and preventing people having to drive further afield for evening entertainment”.
The major fashion store Next is already confirmed to occupy one of the three large retail units in the new Yate Riverside leisure development. Also confirmed as tenants are two popular restaurants, Italian chain Prezzo and American themed Deans Diner. There will be a further six restaurants and cafes.
The first retail units are scheduled to open later this year and the Cineworld six-screen cinema by Spring next year.
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