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Cinema operator launches judicial review against council over stadium project

A £44m stadium development in York faces delay due to a judicial review brought by cinema operator Vue.

York’s Community Stadium project is planned to provide a home for the city’s professional football and rugby league teams and for athletics, amateur sports and leisure facilities including the cinema.

The dispute is understood to centre on the council originally giving permission for a 12 screen cinema but then adding a thirteenth and an extra 400 seats. Vue operates a rival cinema in the city.

A City of York Council spokesperson said: “It has been confirmed that a judge has concluded that the Community Stadium judicial review request can go forward for a full judicial review hearing. The council expects this to be considered early in the New Year.

“However, we have made clear we are fully committed to delivering the Community Stadium and leisure facility project, which will provide a wide-range of facilities, and we are continuing to work with our longstanding partners to build the best leisure, sport and health offer for the city.”

The new stadium, due for completion in late 2017, will comprise an 8,000-seats sports stadium, a 25m swimming pool, competition standard sports hall and a climbing centre. There will also be the cinema, five restaurants and three shops.

Vue Cinemas has been approached for comment.

Mark Smulian

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