New cinema plan for Skelmersdale
THE owners of Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale are planning a £4m revamp that would add a seven-screen cinema.
London and Cambridge Properties (LCP) and Threadneedle Investments say they are working closely with an unnamed cinema operator, to bring the 695-seat facility to the town.
Under the plans, submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council this week, the 23,500 sq ft cinema, along with two food outlets,
would be located on the second floor of the shopping centre. Four existing units on the first floor would be converted to accommodate restaurants.
Jo Salmon, retail portfolio manager for LCP, said: “This is a significant investment and we are very excited to be in a
position to put the plans forward for consideration. We’ve been working hard with architects to put forward proposals for a
deliverable leisure complex that will enhance the town and would enable local people to stay in Skelmersdale for their entertainment, rather than drive out of the area.
“The cinema, along with the restaurants and cafes, would be a real boost to the local economy and we hope that we can start work on the complex in the new year.”
LCP hopes to secure planning approval by November 2014 so that work can start early spring 2015. Building work is expected to be completed in late summer, ready for opening in September 2015.
Two years ago the developer St Modwen unveiled plans for a new £20m Skelmersdale town centre which included a five-screen cinema, a 30,000 sq ft foodstore with parking and 26,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants.
