After several months of delays, Premiere Cinema Entertainment Center on Vaughn Lane in Pell City is ready to continue construction.

Preliminary site work including plumbing, electrical, and paving have been completed. The delays related to architectural design and the subsequent redesign for cost efficiencies to be obtained.  Financing then had to be reapproved, which took additional time, according to Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger. 

“We are very happy to see them going vertical,” Muenger stated. “I know they (Premiere) are excited. We’re all very glad to see this proceeding as well. It’s going to be a huge attraction for our City.”

According to St. Clair County Economic Development Council Executive Director Don Smith, plans for the movie theater and bowling alley complex, originally requested by the community in 2008, were put on hold due to the recession.

However, in 2013, the council refocused their efforts—finalizing a deal with Premiere Cinema Corp. in June 2016. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February this year, with representatives from Premiere, St. Clair County Commission, St. Clair County Economic Development Council, City of Pell City, and Pell City Chamber of Commerce in attendance.

The Texas-based company will be investing almost $10 million into the seven-acre facility, with the city putting $1.266 million toward the project—$600,000 of that coming from a partnership with St. Clair County. This will be paid back over the next 15 years based on Premiere’s mortgage agreement.

The complex will include at least a seven-screen theater and a minimum 10-lane bowling alley. A cafe, arcade and event rooms will also be included.

An estimated completion date on the project has not been finalized, as construction schedules vary depending on weather and other constraints.