Cinemagoers will be able to stay in the town rather than driving miles to the closest one
North Kesteven residents Charles and Daniella McKinney are pleased to see new cinema plans for Sleaford(Image: Lincolnshire Live)
People in Sleaford are delighted that a new cinema for the town is finally on the horizon.
Council plans to build a four-screen Savoy are due to be submitted later this month, with the first showings expected in autumn 2027.
People told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they travelled to Lincoln, Woodhall Spa or had simply stopped going due to the town’s lack of cinema.
The old Citizens’ Advice building would be demolished to make way for the cinema in Money’s Yard.
Charles and Daniella McKinney, who moved from America four months ago, were shocked to hear how far it is to their closest cinema.
“Is the closest one really 20 miles away? That’s such a long way,” Daniella said.
“We were just saying we needed to go to the cinema again. It would be brilliant to have that closer to home.”
Charles said: “Some of the most popular ones back home offered special screenings like the Rocky Horror Picture Show or cocktails with your film – it would be great if this could do something unique like that.”
Sandra Cheevers said a Sleaford venue would allow her to get to the pictures again.
“Lincoln’s fine if you can drive, but for those of us without transport, it’s nearly impossible to get to,” she said.
“I used to go all the time, so I’m really looking forward to getting back once it’s open.
“A cinema would really help the whole town centre and maybe bring more shops in.”
Alan Bozowskyj said: “My grandkids have to go to Woodhall Spa, so they’d love to have something right here in Sleaford.
“It might be the thing to help the town centre – better than more vape shops anyway.”
Another woman said: “I will still prefer the Kinema in the Woods, I don’t like modern cinemas.”
This is the second time North Kesteven District Council has tried to build a cinema to the town, with Covid disruption stalling the previous plan.
Council leader Richard Wright (Con) previously told the LDRS: “A cinema will make the town centre more vibrant. We are trying to lift Sleaford and support our businesses.
“Rather than people travelling 20 miles out of town to Lincoln, Boston or Grantham, they’ll be able to stay in Sleaford and visit other establishments.”
The planning application is expected to be submitted soon.
