Planners give go ahead to Phoenix 2020 expansion

Leicester’s Phoenix is delighted to announce that its plans to become a four screen independent cinema by 2020 have been granted planning permission by the local planning authority.

The £7 million development plans, initially announced in December 2017, will see the Leicester charity add two further cinema screens, a new art gallery, an expanded Café Bar, a green roof terrace, and new spaces for education and learning.

The project will see elements of the existing venue’s interior reconfigured and a two-storey 1,200 square metre extension added to the current building, taking it over the adjacent car park.

Phoenix is currently working to raise the remaining funding it requires to realise its plans. It has already secured a provisional £4m from Arts Council England and a further £1 million from Leicester City Council towards the scheme.

“Receiving planning permission is a vital step towards us achieving our ambitious plans to expand Phoenix, and give more local people the opportunity to enjoy great film and art,” said John Rance, CEO of Phoenix.

“We’re working hard to raise the remaining funds and keen to talk to people and businesses who might become significant sponsors or donors.”