A nine-screen cinema for Whiteley has been given the go-ahead by councillors – but a start date for work has not yet been set.
Plans for a new Cineworld multiplex theatre in Whiteley
Winchester City Council’s planning committee granted planning permission for the 2,850 square metre two-storey building, which will be on the north of the Whiteley Shopping Centre redevelopment site that is almost complete.
The £15m multiplex will have the 1,416-seat cinema run by Cineworld on the first floor and restaurants and community facilities on the ground floor.
The 11 members of the Winchester City Council planning commitee voted unanimously in favour of the multiplex.
Ward councillor Sam Newman-McKie said: “The main issue was that they consulted with residents about the development, which they did extensively. Quite a lot of changes were made.
“I do feel in supporting the application it was mainly due to the sympathetic way the developers consulted with the residents.
“As a result we’ve got a scheme that will work well in the future in Whiteley.
“We had only a few representations against the developers.
“The developers have assured us there will be no fast food restaurants which was a concern.
“Overall we’re delighted with the outcome.”
She said many facilities have been suggested for the ground floor, but have not been confirmed.
“There has been suggestions for a children’s play area, with a ball pit and possibly a small gym,” she added.
“The only thing that has been decided is there will not be a bowling alley. The vibrations from the bowling are no compatible with the cinema.
“There are no tenants planned. The work date has not been defined. With the economic climate that could not be set.”
Whiteley Parish Council leader Mike Evans said: “We unanimously supported the development following a comprehensive consultation, including people on the Fareham side, and also considered other Cineworld operations in the UK.
“I’m delighted that they have approved it.”
The Whiteley Co-ownership Trust, which also owns the £84m shopping centre redevelopment that is to open on May 23, applied for the cinema planning permission.
Work could begin in February next year for the complex and it could be open by May 2015.
The cinema will be open until 12.30am from Monday to Thursday and until 2am on Fridays, Saturdays and those Sundays before a Bank Holiday Monday.
