Risca residents call for action on cinema site (From South Wales Argus)

Risca residents call for action on cinema site

12:20pm Monday 6th July 2009

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EMOTIONS ran high at a meeting in Risca yesterday, as residents raised concerns over plans for the Palace Cinema.

The meeting was originally a chance for residents and interested parties to view plans for a new Tesco Extra store on the Bird site in the town that will create 500 new jobs, but discussions turned towards the Palace proposals.

In May 2006, permission was granted for Johnsey Estates to start work on a new library and One Stop Shop planned for the Palace cinema site, but the developer pulled out of negotiations over claims about the amount of rent that was to be paid.

Current plans for the site include a state-of-the-art library and Tesco Express.

However, Tesco will only agree to come to the Palace cinema site if its application for the extra store is granted.

Kevin Johnsey, of Johnsey Estates, said: “We have planning to redevelop the Palace and a lease with Tesco and Caerphilly council. Our hands are tied until the planning for the large Tesco is given.”

Many members of the public expressed their frustration at the lack of action at the Palace site and the fact that the building was in such a state of disrepair.

Cllr Dave Rees said: “Today was a chance for people to come in and get information straight from the horse’s mouth, to find out what was going on with the project.

“What we wanted to do was put the truth out there. We all want the same things - the regeneration of Risca.”

Cllr Rees agreed to set up a public meeting to discuss the Palace Cinema at a later date.

Risca resident Royce Harrhy said: “I want to know why the council haven’t served a repair notice on Johnseys and why they haven’t carried out repairs. The building is certainly in a terrible state of repair.”

The cinema has been empty for more than 20 years and has fallen into disrepair, prompting a 300-strong protest march at the site calling for the Grade II-listed building to be restored.

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