THIS is how a new boutiquestyle cinema could look in Queen Street, Colchester.
A proposal to turn Roman House – the old Keddies’ building – into a threescreen cinema and restaurants has been put forward by Curzon Cinemas.
The building has been empty since 2006.
Robert Kenny, director of cinema development at the firm, said: “We are very keen on Colchester as a location. It is an area we feel is under-serviced. There is not a lot of choice.
“The council has been very helpful. When it first heard of our application it was very hands-on, which is unusual.
“We think that what we offer is something that would interest people in Colchester and the surrounding areas.”
The proposal will be discussed by Colchester Council’s cabinet on November 27.
Wendy Siddons, the owner of internet cafe Compuccino, in Queen Street, said: “It would be really good news for us.
“All the businesses down here are struggling. The bus station has really affected all of us. It will bring footfall down to this end of town, which we desperately need. It will look so much better. It is an eyesore at the moment.”
Steve Sebborn, assistant manager at the Gym, in Queen Street, said: “I think it would be fantastic. This road is pretty degenerated.
It needs something like that to draw people in. It needs a kick-start.”
The cinema, which plans to show opera and theatre as well as movies, would be licensed to sell alcohol and would serve food, mainly tapas dishes.
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