Stockport council has unveiled The Light Cinemas as its operating partner for a new multiplex cinema at the Bridgefield development in Stockport town centre.
The cinema will be the anchor tenant in the new 80,000 sq ft leisure-led development to be built on the site of the existing car park at Bridgefield Street.
Executive member for regeneration and economic development Patrick McAuley said: “This is another hugely significant step forward in the regeneration of Stockport town centre.
“The quality of the Light Cinemas’ offer to the public is fantastic and we are delighted to welcome it to Stockport. Its decision demonstrates Stockport’s appeal as a location and the growing confidence in our borough. And we encourage other businesses to find out more about further opportunities within the Bridgefield development.”
The Light Cinemas director Keith Pullinger said: “We are very excited to have committed to this great cinema development in Stockport. We see this as a focal point to support the town centre regeneration and we are determined to deliver a high-quality cinema experience for all our customers. Around 35 new jobs will also be created as part of this initiative and we would like to thank Stockport council for creating this opportunity.”
The Bridgefield development will also see the construction of a new multi-storey car park linking to the Debenhams and Merseyway car parks, creating a total of 1,200 spaces in the vicinity.
The ten ground floor units fronting a new pedestrianised urban realm in Bridgefield Street and new public square with links to the wider town centre are expected to attract restaurant and retail brands into the town centre.
The council will be submitting a planning application for the Bridgefield development in September 2014.
GVA is advising the council on the project, while Lunson Mitchenhall is letting agent.
chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com
