BIG screen entertainment is on the verge of returning to Accrington town centre.

Two rival proposals for a cinema complex on a council-owned site at Moreton Street were presented to councillors last night.

The idea of a cinema was warmly welcomed by Hyndburn development services committee.

Councillors authorised approval of both applications when traffic, access and servicing details have been resolved.

Kingspark Developments Ltd have proposed a four-screen cinema with 526 seats.

It would have a semicircular glass lobby entrance, parking for 182 cars and a public house with a manager's flat.

Apollo Leisure (UK) Ltd have proposed a six-screen cinema with 1,100 seats, 147 car parking spaces and a drive-through restaurant.

Council leader George Slynn said the authority was now looking forward to receiving offers from Kingspark and Apollo outlining their proposals for a long-term lease of the site. He added: "We hope one of these applications is turned into a positive reality as soon as possible."

Kingspark have identified an operator to run their proposed cinema, but the operator's name is commercially sensitive and not being disclosed.

Apollo, a specialist in town centre cinema, already have cinemas in Blackburn and Brierfield.

Head of planning Phil Barwood said: "The return of a cinema to Accrington has been an aspiration since the closure of the old cinema in Broadway.

"These two applications are very much in accordance with the council's planning policies and strategy for revitalising Accrington town centre."

He said a new leisure use in the town centre would complement the market redevelopment and environmental improve- ments.

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