• 11 months ago
There has been more movement at Brightwells Yard this week – with a location now confirmed for the new Nando’s restaurant and plans afoot for the former M&S Food unit.
But the REEL Cinema remains the only commercial unit with a set opening date – screening its first films next Friday, February 2 – despite many of Brightwells’ 25 shop units and eight restaurants appearing almost complete and ready for tenants.
The Herald understands those businesses who have signed pre-lets for the development are yet to be given ‘fitting out’ dates.
And in an interview on Pages 20 and 21, the director of REEL Cinema confirmed his “understanding” that no further units will open until late in the first quarter or the second quarter of 2024.
That means no further shops, restaurants or other commercial tenants are likely to open at Brightwells until at least April.
Waverley Borough Council has also confirmed there is “no confirmed date” for it to take possession of Brightwells’ new 183-space multi-storey car park from Crest, which is currently open only to residents.
Instead, REEL is urging customers to park at Riverside, Central or South Street, where a new staircase connecting the revamped 210-space Sainsbury’s car park to the development site is also incomplete after some 15 months of works.
Double yellow lines are to be painted in Threadneedle Road, connecting the development to Dogflud Way, ahead of the cinema's opening day to prevent problem parking.

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