Work stops as builder on Pollard Thomas Edwards cinema goes under

Work has stopped on Pollard Thomas Edwards’ £17m cinema project in Basildon, Essex, after the contractor went into administration.

Basildon council has already begun the search for a firm to replace Simons after one of the country’s best-known regional contractors ceased trading after 75 years.

The Lincoln-based builder, which was appointed to the scheme in Basildon in March, fell into administration on Tuesday.

Demolition and preparatory work had begun ahead of main construction starting next spring. But council leader Gavin Callaghan said local sub-contractor Squibb Demolition had been forced to stop work.

He said the council was working to prevent major disruption to the project’s timetable.

“We are urgently exploring options available to us so we can secure the services of a replacement contractor and minimise any delays to the project,” he said. “That includes talking to the administrators appointed for Simons about the assistance they have offered.”

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Pollard Thomas Edwards was appointed in 2017. Known as the East Square project, the job was due to finish in early 2021.

The revamp of East Square, which is bordered by the grade II-listed Brooke House – which was designed by Basil Spence and Anthony Davies – is set to include a 10-screen multiplex cinema and six new restaurants.