New Cinema Plans - Timescales?
Over the last 4 years or so we have all speculated about what might happen with the cinema site or what "should" happen.BUT - does anyone know what the actual legal position is from now and how things need to progress?The council have "selected Land Securities to develop the site" so, presumably, they have first refusal on the development should Empire withdraw voluntarily or should the council execute a compulsory purchase order.However, it appears that the council do not have the legal right to pursue this whilst Empire say they are about to start or have a couple of blokes with hard hats walking about the site, giving the impression of impending building activity.The council have waited 3 months beyond the deadline they set for Empire to show full construction details - this implies that we are nowhere near the enactment of a compulsory purchase order.So, what is the next step? Does anyone actually know if Empire can avoid a compulsory purchase order indefinitely or can the council force them to act within a given timetable?At the moment, Empire are calling all the shots and the council can issue press releases but, unfortunately, little else.
Phil Kay ● 4845d1 Comments