Race is on for big names in restaurant business to move into Doncaster's new £8.5m Savoy cinema complex

The new Savoy complex in Waterdale includes a six-screen cinema and space for five restaurant units at a cost of £8.5 million.

Council officials said talks are at an ‘advanced stage’ with a ‘number of local and national operators’.

The site, which is situated next to Cast theatre, is due to open in the Spring of 2020.

Funding for the complex has come mostly from council budgets and the Sheffield City Region.

Film fans can now try out the cinema’s ‘luxurious reclining seats’ at Cast next door.

The area around Sir Nigel Gresley Square has been transformed in recent years, with the £20 million investment in Civic Office, £22 million investment at Cast theatre and £14 million in the new central Library and Museum, which is currently under construction.

Doncaster mayor Ros Jones said the Waterdale area was ‘coming alive’.

She said: “We are committed to delivering top class attractions, facilities and developments right across our borough for our residents and visitors to experience, enjoy and benefit from.

“When you consider the raft of other schemes we are delivering as part of our ambitious Urban Centre Masterplan and the key developments being built elsewhere in our borough, Doncaster is heading onwards and upwards.”

Lindum project manager Matt Marshall said the building was ‘coming together well’.

The roof has been installed and workers are now installing the acoustic plasterboard.

The project has benefited from £635,000 of the Sheffield City Region Local Growth Funding (LGF) and once complete, the site is said to create 100 jobs along with extra business rates.

Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis, said: “This is an exciting time for the regeneration of Doncaster town centre, and it’s great to see the new cinema complex reach this important milestone.

“The creation of this new cinema and leisure complex will not only create new jobs, attract investment and drive economic growth, but will also give people another reason to visit and enjoy Doncaster’s thriving town centre.”