New nine-screen cinema complex proposed for Blackpool
It would occupy part of the former Odeon Cinema
Part of the former Odeon Cinema building, in Blackpool, could return to its former use, as a cinema, under new proposals.
A scheme is being put forward, which would see a nine-screen cinema complex, operating from the west side of the huge Rigby Road premises.
The former Odeon multiplex on Rigby Road permanently closed on June 5, 2023, after its lease expired.
However, in June this year more than half of the building was re-opened, as a major entertainments complex, by operator Tenpin.
The Tenpin site includes 24 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an immersive 4D laser tag arena, for high-energy group battles, Houdini’s escape rooms, private karaoke rooms, a games arcade, modern darts, a children’ play area and a bar, with light bites.
However, there is still considerable space left in the other side of the building, which currently lies vacant.
The building is owned by the Preston-based developer, Austringer Capital, which operates locally as AIM Land Ltd and the applicant for these latest proposals is listed as AIM Capital Ltd.
The owners have been advised by property agents, Barker Proudlove, that only two uses would be deemed appropriate to fill the premises – either cinema use, or storage.
Two seperate planning applications, for both of those options, have been lodged with Blackpool Council, but the proposed cinema use is considered the more eye-catching.
The application is for the installation of mezzanine floor and use of part of the premises as a cinema (sui generis) and alterations to rear elevation, at Unit 1, Festival Leisure Park (now known as Bloomfield Central), off Rigby Road.
WHAT STATEMENT SAYS
A Planning Statement for the cinema proposals, by planning agents Savills, says: “This statement is submitted in relation to a proposal to change the use of floorspace of existing leisure and food and beverage floorspace at Bloomfield Central into cinema use.
“The floorspace forms part of Unit 1 at Bloomfield Central that was previously occupied by Odeon.
“Tenpin has now taken the significant majority of the former Odeon floorspace and has recently opened and is operating a leisure operation, which is becoming a substantial part of the leisure offering in Blackpool.
“The intended proposal is to provide nine new cinema screens in Blackpool; of which two screens are intended to be large-scale screens and seven are intended to be a boutique offering.”
It is considered that an area the size of Blackpool and the Fylde coast is large enough to accommodate another cinema to those already operating, the Arc in Blackpool and The View in Cleveleys.
The Planning Statement concludes:“The proposal will provide a cinema at an accessible and prominent location that will bring back into use vacant floorspace.
“The Site has already been concluded to be an appropriate location for cinema use via the previous use of floorspace at the Site and already benefits from a leisure-style permitted use.
“The proposal therefore presents an opportunity to enhance economic productivity and growth in Blackpool and the specific neighbourhood where the Site is located.”