Recently submitted planning documents have revealed plans to convert the former Jimmy Spices restaurant at the SouthGate shopping centre in Bath into a multi-screen cinema.
© Google Street View 2018
The documents have been submitted by SouthGate directly, who are applying to convert the former restaurant from Class A3 (restaurants and cafe) to Class D2 (assembly and leisure).
Two cinema chains are believed to have shown interest in opening a cinema in SouthGate over the past 12 months, and the management of the centre are now in discussion with one of those regarding the now vacant space.
Although unconfirmed, it has been suggested that either Vue Cinemas or Showcase Cinemas are the likely occupier, but due to ongoing legal discussions, it must remain confidential for the time being.
The planned occupier is reported to have identified a ‘need for a unit’ in Bath.
The proposed development includes a 2-4 screen cinema, with an ‘ancillary restaurant and bar’.
Part of the planning documents describe how the proposed cinema complex would bring an increased footfall area to the city centre, and an increase of activity in the city centre to benefit the daytime and evening economy.
Jimmy Spices, the restaurant that used to occupy the unit in SouthGate, closed suddenly late last year.
Comments are being welcomed on the application to convert the space into a cinema, with local residents being able to give their view on the B&NES Council website here until 24th May.
