It makes little sense in the economics of cinemas (in which your correspondent worked for some years) for there not to be one in Gungahlin.
But it seems that is going to be rectified with Andrew Barr promising he’s getting started:
I am pleased to announce today that the Government will this week be seeking expressions of interest for the development of a mixed use indoor entertainment facility, which includes a cinema complex, within the Gungahlin Town Centre.
This new facility will be an exciting addition to the Gungahlin Town Centre, giving local residents more entertainment options.
It will also add to the other recreational facilities currently being constructed in the town centre such as the Gungahlin Leisure Centre and the Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.
This decision comes as a result of the strong community desire for a local cinema in Gungahlin and the ACT Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring that the community need for this facility is met in a timely way.
The Government has identified Block 1, Section 12 Gungahlin for release for this purpose – a site bounded by Hibberson, Hinder, Kate Crace and Efkarpidis Streets, which is within the main shopping and entertainment precincts of Gungahlin.
Once the expressions of interest have been assessed a decision will be made as to the most appropriate way to progress the project.
In a sane jurisdiction land would be purchased by a cinema chain off their own bat. But this is the ACT where everything has to be ear-marked, double-handled, held up for years, and then released for low advantage when opportune. (Not that we’re saying that is necessarily the case here)
Good news for Gungahlin though.
