Cinema given the green light

Cinema given the green light

Cinema backers say the scheme will regenerate Newbury

A long-running campaign to win a cinema for Newbury has taken a major step closer to success.

A five-screen cinema is set to be built in the market town's centre after plans to redevelop part of the shopping mall were approved by council bosses on Wednesday night.

West Berkshire district council's planning committee gave the green light to plans for a complex complete with restaurants and cafes.

It comes after a four-year battle by the town's residents to win back a picture house after the former cinema closed in 1998.

Outline planning permission was sought by shopping centre owner Shops Etc for an 800-seater facility.

The proposed scheme also includes plans to build a shop, two restaurants and two cafes on the Cheap Street car park.

Access would be from walkways connecting to Market Street and Cheap Street.

Some concern had been voiced over the loss of car parking spaces in the town centre.

The cinema could now be open as soon as Autumn 2004.

The scheme's backers, who own the town's Kennet Centre, believe the development will help regenerate the town.