I'm going to reserve judgement on this. The new cinema has potential, and a national burger chain has signed a lease. However, the last refurbishment turned into a total cock-up after the District Council kept sticking it's nose in & interfering, and I can see them doing so again.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/new-cinema-burger-restaurant-announced-10205002

Work's due to start imminently, and is due to be completed by next Christmas: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-town-square-revamp-finally-gets-green-light/

I can't help wondering if that's the right place for it?

I don't know what else can be done with Bell Court/Town Square, unless it's flattened completely and turned into housing?

Well, work's started: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/official-groundbreaking-ceremony-marks-start-30million-town-square-redevelopment/

Work seems to be proceeding at a fair rate of knots; it'll be interesting to see how the cinema turns out: http://www.stratford-herald.com/55013-work-on-new-bell-court-cinema-underway.html

Filling the units doesn't seem to be doing quite as well, though.

A bar chain has signed up for Bell Court; it'll be interesting to see who else take units up: http://www.stratford-herald.com/59714-bar-chain-expected-open-bell-court.html

2 more restaurants. Personally, I'd like to see more retail - there's already enough restaurants in Stratford!

http://www.stratford-herald.com/61046-restaurant-chains-sign-bell-court.html

Restaurants are springing up everywhere. Interestingly, Manchester which was leading the way with new outlets is now beginning to see a bit of a downturn.

I can't help wonder if the bubble is beginning to deflate?

The bell has been restored to Bell Court; it's a lot bigger than I remember: http://www.stratford-herald.com/65759-market-bell-returns-home.html

What are they doing with the other shopping arcade, Bards Walk. ?

Last I heard, the owner was still looking for tenants (more restaurants!) before work started so units can be built/altered to tenant's requirements as work goes along.

There seems to be a crazy trend with restaurants springing up everywhere, more than we need. I can't see them lasting all next to each other, same in Leamington, there is the Regent Arcade full of restaurants all next to each other. Its not like folks go out to eat every night. How they stay in business and pay extortionate rent surely cannot be economical for them all competing with one another. We only go out to eat either to celebrate special occasions such as birthday or Christmas.
I get very suspicious of shops being let out for short periods then disappear again. One shop opened just before Christmas selling absolute rubbish, now they have gone, almost as quick as they came. It is almost as though they do a short term lets, and are getting rid of stuff that has been looted, then disappear. It is all very odd.

I had a look at Bell Court while doing a bit of shopping in Bodycare this week - the builders have actually done a really good job of the project: http://www.stratford-herald.com/67350-video-exclusive-bell-court-tour.html

Another shop is moving in. At least it's not another restaurant!

http://www.stratford-herald.com/78172-luxury-interior-retailer-open-bell-court.html

What's happening to BHS?