Cinema plans to go on show (From Wiltshire Times)

Cinema plans to go on show

1:10pm Sunday 30th September 2007 in News By Benjamin Parkes

A PROJECT to bring a cinema and bowling alley complex to Trowbridge is expected to move a step forward at a meeting on Wednesday.

West Wiltshire District Council's cabinet is expected to give its officers the go-ahead to team up with Wiltshire County Council to finalise details of the project, which could see a full planning application for phase one submitted by the end of October.

Much anticipated by the people of the town, the £90m regeneration project is a joint project between the councils and chosen developers Modus.

It is planned to include a new library, eight-screen cinema, bowling complex, hotel, homes, offices, cafes and restaurants.

If district councillors agree to the proposals, planning officers will have permission to forge ahead with Modus and the county council to agree a final development plan, which would see the council's land in Court Street submitted into the scheme.

Economic portfolio holder Cllr Michael Mounde and a relevant director or chief executive will also get delegated powers to sign the final agreement on behalf of the council.

The plans, outlined in a report to the cabinet, refer to the River Biss as a focal point for the scheme, with a new river basin, pedestrian bridge and outdoor waterfront performance area.

Developers Modus have been asked to create a pedestrian link through the new complex direct to County Hall as well as a new bridge over the river to St Stephen's Place.

The document also specifies the use of high quality design for lighting, planting, and a good quality finish to the surfaces and floors of the buildings. Space for public art must be included and plenty of parking, as well as the 15,000sq ft library and a landscaped garden, a café adjoining the entrance and disabled parking.

Outline planning consent was granted in 2006 but a final detailed application must be submitted soon. This will be done in two phases.

The current library, register office, union offices and other council buildings between Bythesea Road and the river will be demolished to make room for the complex.

It is hoped the plans will get final approval in March 2008, with work on the library to begin in April and the new library due to open in May 2009.

Work on the hotel, cinema and bowling alleys will start in August 2009, with the aim of the complex being opened to the public in October 2010, with the scheme completely finished in December 2010.

On October 12 Modus is holding a public exhibition in the existing library in Mortimer Street, Trowbridge.

Between 10am-6pm people will be able to look at the plans, see artist's impressions of the new development, ask questions about the project and make comments to Modus representatives.

The exhibition will also provide answers to some of the questions raised by members of the public at the West Wilts Show in July.