Basildon job is due to start next spring

Pollard Thomas Edwards' competition-winning proposals for Basildon's new cinema

Source: Pollard Thomas Edwards

Pollard Thomas Edwards’ competition-winning proposals for Basildon’s new cinema

An Essex council behind a £17m job to build a new cinema has begun the search for a contractor to replace collapsed firm Simons Group.

The Lincoln builder was appointed to the scheme, designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards, in Basildon in March.

Demolition and preparatory work had begun ahead of main construction starting next spring.

>> Read more: Cracks at Simons began three years ago as creditors face anxious wait for missing money
>> Read more: Shock as Lincoln firm Simons falls into administration

But council leader Gavin Callaghan said Essex contractor Squibb Demolition had been forced to stop work after Simons went into administration on Tuesday.

Callaghan added: “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. That includes talking to the administrators appointed for Simons about the assistance they have offered.”

Known as the East Square project, the job is due to finish in early 2021.