Willmott Dixon is adding to its track-record of transformative leisure projects with the £12.5 million project to create Daventry’s new Mulberry Place Cinema complex.

The project, for Daventry District Council, will see the former library buildings off North Street demolished to make way for a four screen cinema complex that has restaurants, a public square and splash fountains. 

Procured through Major Works, England and Northern Ireland, part of the Scape National Construction framework, the Mulberry Place Cinema development is expected to take around 18 months to complete, with the cinema set to open its doors in spring 2021.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are looking forward to working with Daventry District Council once again, this time on its Mulberry Place development, to create a new social and leisure space in the centre of town that can be enjoyed by local communities.

 “At Willmott Dixon, we have a purpose beyond profit and that includes being passionate about leaving a lasting positive legacy, something that Mulberry Place will provide for many decades to come.

“Over the duration of the scheme, we have committed to investing into the local community. This will see us working with local schools and colleges on community projects, as well as sourcing local spend and labour wherever possible.”

Ian Vincent, chief executive at Daventry District Council, said: “We’re pleased to have appointed Willmott Dixon to build this flagship development in Daventry town centre. They already have a strong track record in helping us to deliver construction projects within our local community and we look forward to working with them to turn our plans for a new cinema into reality by spring 2021.”

Mark Robinson, Scape group chief executive, commented: “Developments like Mulberry Place are really transformative for the community. This investment from Daventry District Council will create a real destination for the local population, stimulating economic activity in the process. In some cases, developments like this, can act as a catalyst for further investment into the local area. It’s a real win-win. 

By delivering this project through our framework, Daventry District Council are guaranteeing that this important project will not only be delivered efficiently but also by a talented local workforce.”

Willmott Dixon’s long track-record of leisure projects includes delivering the new members and players facilities for the All England Lawn and Tennis Club at Wimbledon, creating the new Five Towns Leisure and Wellbeing Hub in Pontefract for Wakefield Council, a new leisure and cultural centre in Harpenden for St Albans District Council, plus cinemas in Rochdale, as part of the town centre regeneration, and in Eltham for the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Previous projects with the Daventry District Council have seen the company deliver important community facilities Rainsbrook Crematorium and Monksmoor Primary School.