A MULTI-million pound leisure complex including a four-screen cinema, 20-lane bowling alley and live music venue, creating more than 100 jobs, could be built in Accrington before the summer of 1998.

Hyndburn policy and resources committee was told about new negotiations under way for the Moreton Street site, opposite the viaduct in Accrington town centre.

The committee had already given conditional approval to two proposals by Kingspark Developments and Apollo Leisure for cinema developments on the council-owned land.

But they were told officers wished to discontinue negotiations with these companies in favour of a proposal for a larger, mixed- use leisure complex.

Nigel Rix, director of development services, revealed that the new £5 million outline proposal comprised a two-storey complex, including a cinema, a bowling alley, a music venue and a family pub and restaurant with a children's outdoor play barn. The land would not be sold, but the prospective developer, who has not yet been named, would be given a long-term lease.

Mr Rix said he could not yet comment about whether the development would mean the possible demolition of, or alterations to, surrounding buildings.

Plans are expected to come before councillors in August and, if approved, work is intended to start in September with a possible opening the following summer.

Mr Rix said: "Over the seven years since the cinema closed in Accrington, the constant plea from residents, especially schoolchildren, has been: Please bring back the cinema.

"The opportunity to achieve a more powerful cluster of commercial leisure developments is not one to be lightly dismissed."

Leader of the council Coun George Slynn said: "This pioneering development will stimulate Accrington's evening environment while providing entertainment opportunities for all communities in Hyndburn in a location which is accessible by public transport.

"We look forward to seeing more detailed plans during the next few weeks."

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