PROPOSALS to create a new cinema in Bury town centre have been voted the most popular feature of the planned £150 million Mill Gate centre redevelopment.

And centre co-owners Westfield say that an exhibition to publicise the revamp generated a clear majority in favour of the scheme.

The public exhibition of the plans, held over 28 days during July and August, attracted more than 2,000 visitors, 448 of whom recorded their comments and suggestions.

Westfield report 61 per cent in favour of their proposals, with eight per cent undecided. The company will analyse the feedback to help refine the plans further.

The company revealed that people particularly liked the integration of leisure and shopping facilities in the town centre.

Westfield also said members of the public who registered their support were looking forward to one convenient venue where they could complete their shopping, enjoy a meal and finish the day with a movie at the cinema complex.

John Burton, development director of Westfield, said: "We shall now use this feedback along with ongoing consultation with the market traders' associations and other affected groups to help refine the plans before we submit a planning application later this year."