Multi-screen cinema go-ahead FLEETWOOD is to get its own cinema for the first time in fifteen years.

Plans for a multi-screen complex in the port were unveiled this week by Freeport Leisure which has been granted a further 25,000sq ft to develop at its American-themed shopping village.

Showing the latest blockbuster films and costing around £1 million, the complex could be up and running by the end of next year.

More detailed plans will be unveiled when a company has been appointed to take over the running, but hopes are high that it will be a leading cinema operator.

Freeport Leisure is confident the cinema will be an immediate success as chief executive Sean Collidge, explained: "It will be of great value to the town which has been without a cinema for many years.

"There is huge support for the multi-screen complex from all those involved in the tourism industry and the retail trade.

"Winning planning consents for projects such as this has become difficult, so naturally we see it as an achievement and as an endorsement by local government of what we are doing for Fleetwood."

The last cinema in Fleetwood was the Regent - now Barclays Bank in Lord Street - which closed down in the early 80s.

Previously, films were also shown on the Pier, at The Art in Lord Street, and the Victoria, now Barney's Bingo.

Since then surveys on what Fleetwood residents wanted for the town always revealed the demand for another cinema, which is why the planning permission has been greeted with enthusiasm in the tourism department.

Head Tom Pridmore said: "This is really wonderful news. This new multi-screen will provide a much-needed and valuable facility."

Freeport has also clinched a deal with Radio Wave and Regent Inns to run a radio cafe in the shopping village from March next year.

It will feature appearances from various DJs and live broadcasts.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.