Developers Fred Dillett and Michael Farrell, who have been trying to bring a movie theater to Livermore for more than three years, can now move forward with their plans for the 30,000-sf movie theater and 63,000-sf office complex at Railroad Avenue and L Street. The theater will feature 10 screens and 1,400 seats.

City council officials say that they were eager to move forward with the $4.5 million project because the city is in need of a movie theater and any further delays could hinder the project. The project's designs include a the theater that is located near the railroad tracks in the back of the property, while the office buildings are closer to Railroad Avenue. The Design Review Board and the Planning Commission recommend moving the theater closer to Railroad Avenue to make the theater more visible and provide better access for pedestrians.

The city council chose to approve the project as is, despite these recommendations. The developers can now proceed with the development. The plan is to include the movie theater and 351 parking spaces in the first phase and complete the office complex as the second phase. Construction will begin in August 2003.