CINEWORLD will be the operator to deliver a 2,500-seat cinema – including an IMAX screen – at the heart of the Bridge Street development.

The council, in partnership with Warrington & Co, has announced today, Thursday, a deal has been signed with the firm to open a site as part of the £107 million town centre regeneration scheme.

When the facility opens in 2019 Cineworld will be the anchor tenant of the 300,000 square foot retail and leisure-led Bridge Street Quarter project, which will provide the town with a leading 13-screen multiplex cinema.

After completion the scheme will comprise a new cinema, 42,000 square foot market hall, several family restaurants, 1,100 space multi-storey car park, new council offices, retail units and a public square.

The 45,514 square foot cinema will be constructed to the chain's latest specification, in a move that is being tipped by planners to 'set new standards'.

The work is set to provide 'high quality' day time and evening facilities to help boost Warrington's economy.

The announcement comes after the Warrington Guardian highlighted Cineworld as the operator in April.

The multiplex will offer a 'next generation' cinema experience, anchored by Cineworld's unique Super Screen stadium theatre, which will include a wall to wall full height screen, dual projectors giving a brighter 3D experience and multiple Dolby Atmos speakers providing multi-dimensional sound.

Council leader Terry O'Neill believes the move is a major 'statement' from the town and is confident further investment could follow from leading companies.

"The signing of Cineworld is a major coup for Warrington town centre and is a huge stride forward for the Bridge Street regeneration scheme," he said.

"The offer to the public is fantastic and we are thrilled that Cineworld has chosen to open in Warrington.

"Its decision demonstrates the appeal of Warrington as a location and the confidence that leading names within the retail and leisure industry have in the town."

Cineworld's property director Kevin Frost revealed his delight after finding the 'perfect home' for the chain's new site.

"The proposed scheme will give us the room to offer our new customers the full choice of movies and formats available," he said.

Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co, added: "The Bridge Street Quarter scheme is a key economic driver in Warrington's ambitious framework for growth, Warrington Means Business, and Warrington & Co is proud to be leading its delivery.

"The new Cineworld multiplex along with the restaurants, new market hall, civic offices and public square will be a massive draw into the town centre."

Muse Developments's development director David Burkinshaw is confident the move will attract visitors from across the north west.

The project will create up to 400 construction jobs and 400 new permanent jobs in the leisure, retail and restaurant sectors when it is completed in 2019.

Plans will 'shortly be submitted' for approval to construct the new 1,100 space multi-storey car park that will support the entire Bridge Street scheme.