Muse Developments has submitted plans for a £50m leisure development in Preston, including an 11-screen cinema and seven restaurants.
The scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of the Markets Quarter which includes the full refurbishment and redecoration of the two listed Market canopies and the construction of a new glazed Market Hall.
The Light will operate the proposed cinema, which will feature a large format experience screen, state-of-the-art digital picture and sound auditoriums, independent and international films, plus the best live opera, ballet, theatre and pop concerts.
Mike Horner, regional director for Muse Developments, said, 'Submitting the planning application is a significant milestone in realising this important project for Preston. It represents the culmination of much hard work alongside the Council to ensure the proposals are of the highest quality and in accordance with the wider plans for a comprehensive and successful regeneration of the markets area.
'The proposals are a great opportunity to provide much-needed leisure facilities for the city and we're confident that the proposed scheme, along with a quality cinema operator, will offer something different, bring families back into the city centre, create jobs and become a catalyst for further investment.'