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City's first multiplex cinema to be demolished

Matthew BarlowEast Midlands
News imageBBC The former Showcase cinema in Derby that has been partially demolishedBBC
The former Showcase cinema in Derby was the first multi screen cinema in the city, but it will now be demolished

Planning permission has been granted to demolish Derby's first multiplex cinema, which closed five years ago.

The Showcase in Sinfin opened in November 1988 but is now set to be replaced with a care home, a Greggs, Burger King and a Starbucks.

Part of the building's front had previously been knocked down, but it will now be completely demolished under the plans granted by Derby City Council.

People in Derby have said it is sad the former cinema will be torn down as it held happy memories.

News imageTracy Slater, from Chellaston in Derby, said this mutiplex gave viewers much more choice. She is pictured wearing a black coat and a grey scarf. The cinema is blurred in the background with fencing around it
Tracy Slater, from Chellaston in Derby, said it was 'fabulous' when the multiplex first opened

Tracy Slater, 52, from Chellaston in Derby, said when it opened it made a big difference because it offered people more choice, as previously cinemas mostly showed just one film at a time.

"It was a whole new world of being able to watch films," she added.

"Life's moved on now and people have got multiple films at their fingertips - but at the time it was fabulous."

News imageLindsay Tinsley, who said it was sad that the cinema was no longer open, is pictured behind the bar of a pub, with bottles of wine visible in the background.
Lindsay Tinsley grew up near the cinema and said it was an exciting time when it opened

Lindsay Tinsley, 37, who works at the Oast House pub, which is next to the site, lived nearby when she was growing up.

She said she remembered being allowed to go to the cinema for the first time without an adult at the age of 12 when she went to see The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, with her best friend.

"I really do have a lot of fond memories there," she added.

"It was always really exciting - it was a real treat. It was a pillar of the community.

"Before it closed it brought in a lot of trade here (the pub) as well. It is really sad actually when I think about it."

News imageCarl and Julie Southwell from Littleover are pictured outside the cinema
Carl and Julie Southwell have fond memories of watching Disney films at the multiplex with their two daughters when they were young

Carl and Julie Southwell, from Littleover, said they used to regularly take their daughters to the cinema when it first opened to watch Disney films.

"We have nothing but happy memories of the cinema," said Carl.

"It is really sad to see it in a dilapidated state."

His wife Julie said it looked an eyesore at the moment and she would be pleased when it was developed.

Pear Tree Ltd is the company behind the plans in Foresters Way that will include a 66-bedroom care home.

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