Developers in the frame for cinema plans (From Wiltshire Times)

Developers in the frame for cinema plans

9:29am Friday 29th September 2006 in News By Craig Evry

FIVE developers have been shortlisted to develop the waterside district in Trowbridge - and all have included a multi-screen cinema in their proposals.

It is hoped the preferred bid out of the five remaining will go before cabinets at Wiltshire County Council and West Wiltshire District Council next month. The Waterside project, on land north east of Bythesea Road and including Court Street car park, will include a bowling alley, library, hotel, offices and homes.

The mayor of Trowbridge Tom James called the latest step a positive sign, but warned against looking too far ahead.

He said: "I have to applaud all the work people are putting in to make it a reality but because of what has happened in the past we shouldn't count our chickens before they have hatched.

"It does seem very positive when you have operators approaching us. But it's typical old local authorities. Nothing happens tomorrow, it is always next month. As long as we make it happen that is all that counts."

Cllr James, who is also housing portfolio holder on the district council, said work would be going on behind the scenes to ensure the developers were being enticed into coming to Trowbridge.

The district and county councils joined forces with Trowbridge Town Council, the Wiltshire Economic Partnership and the Regional Development Agency on the project. Outline planning permission for the development has already been granted and the Secretary of State decided not to call in the plans.

Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, the county council's member for environment, transport and economic development, said the waterside project had attracted a great deal of interest. She said: "The long list of developers have been shortlisted. We are seeking clarification on a number of points from several of the bidders, and once these have been received, the bids will be formerly evaluated."

District council leader Sarah Content added: "It would be premature to make any comments on the bids prior to their formal evaluation, however I can confirm that they all contain a cinema, bowling facilities and library.

"It is hoped that a report recommending a preferred developer will be ready for consideration by the cabinets of both councils in October."