Cinema operator signs up to Market Walk

IT’S REEL – residents in Chorley are set to get a new cinema in the town.

National chain Reel Cinema has today announced its intention to bring a six-screen complex to the shopping mall as part of extension plans outlined by owners, Chorley Council.
The operator is the first business to publicly declare its commitment to the scheme and will enter into a 20-year lease.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Chorley Council, said: “Feedback from local residents and businesses on the extension plans has proved that people in Chorley are really keen to see a multi-screen cinema in the town centre and we have been working hard to secure it.
“Getting the first tenant on board is a really important step and we’ll be continuing our work to secure lettings on at least 65 per cent of the new units, which is what we want to achieve before any work would start on site.”

Refined plans for the 84,000 sqft Market Walk extension are currently out for public consultation asking for residents’ final opinions of the proposals before a full planning application is submitted in the next few weeks.

KC Suri, Managing Director of Reel Cinema, said: “We’re really pleased to be signing up to the scheme which is looking to be an exciting development for the town and we look forward to seeing material progress over the next few months.

“Our operations in this region have recently grown significantly, and as we are looking to continue to expand our business for the foreseeable future, Chorley is an ideal place to do this.”

The proposed £10 million development will include three large retail units and several branded restaurants alongside the cinema, creating up to 200 jobs and increasing Chorley’s popularity as a place to visit.
Residents can have their say on the extension plans by visiting chorley.gov.uk or by calling Chorley Council on 01257 515151. The consultation will run until April 1.
If planning permission is given a decision to proceed with the development will be made by full council.

ENDS
Pic caption: Artist’s impression of what the new cinema could look like.

For more information, contact Communications Assistant, Alice Rawsthorne on 01257 515807 or by emailing [email protected]