The Last Picture Show for Cheshire East’s Crewe scheme

A cinema chain that had been a critical element of Cheshire East’s Crewe Royal Arcade development has collapsed into administration.

Empire Cinemas, an anchor tenant of the scheme, providing a state-of-the-art eight-screen multiplex as part of the multi-£million Crewe town centre regeneration project – which includes a tenpin bowling centre and gym – blamed the impact of Covid-19 for its problems.

The scheme is underwritten by Cheshire East Council along with Peveril Securities.

Work has already commenced on phase one of the scheme which includes a multi-story car park and new bus station.

Maybe Cheshire East will one day realise that commercial property development and speculation isn’t a game for amateurs.