"Cineworld currently has no plans to vacate this location" - assurance on Chesterfield cinema as Aldi eyes up leisure park as priority site for new store
Cinema operator Cineworld has brought the curtain down on speculation that it is vacating its Chesterfield site on the outskirts of the town centre.
The cinema occupies the largest plot on Alma Leisure Park off Derby Road. Supermarket giant Aldi has announced that the leisure park is regarded as a priority area for securing a site for a new store – sparking a reaction on social media.
Michelle Hawkins posted: “Only the cinema big enough. Is there something we need to know Cineworld Chesterfield?”
A spokesperson for the nationwide cinema chain said: “Cineworld Chesterfield remains open as usual. Cineworld currently has no plans to vacate this location.”
Aldi is England’s largest discount supermarket and has invested more than £370 million in new stores this year as it works towards its long-term target of 1,500 locations nationwide.
South Normanton, Chaddesden, Swadlincote (east) and south-west Derby are among the priority areas in Derbyshire that have been identified in Aldi’s expansion plan. Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites in prominent locations with good visibility and access are key, with Aldi encouraging landlords and agents to come forward with suitable opportunities.