AN IMAX will not be part of the 2,500-seat cinema coming to Warrington – instead it will be Cineworld's Superscreen equivalent.

In September it was revealed that Cineworld will be the operator of the new facility set to open at the heart of the Bridge Street development in 2019.

Blueprints for the 13-screen multiplex included an IMAX but naming rights have forced officials to make amendments.

The council, in partnership with Warrington & Co, signed a deal with Cineworld to open a site as part of the town centre regeneration scheme.

And today, Thursday, it was confirmed that because rights to the IMAX brand belong to Odeon, the 45,514 square foot site will be home to a Superscreen, which will allow the firm's customers to enjoy 'state-of-the-art projection and sound' while watching blockbusters 'like never before'.

But the council insists there are 'no changes' to the plans announced for the complex.

"When the cinema opens in 2019, Cineworld will be the anchor tenant of the 300,000 square foot  retail and leisure-led Bridge Street development and will provide Warrington with a state-of-the-art, 13-screen, 2,500 seat, multiplex cinema, incorporating a multi-screen cinema," said a spokesman.

"The 45,514 square foot cinema will be constructed to Cineworld's latest specification which will set new standards and further improve the experience for customers.

 "The multiplex will offer a next generation cinema experience, anchored by Cineworld's unique Superscreen 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 breathtaking multi-dimensional sound.

"The Superscreen stadium theatre is Cineworld's equivalent to IMAX."

Elliot Franks, who is a community organiser in the town, feared residents would be left disappointed after seeing references to the IMAX removed from the council's and Warrington and Co's websites.

"This is unbelievable, we were promised an IMAX and now the council has been sneaky and removed all mention of it from its website, instead of being open and honest in telling the community this devastating news," he said.

"We were really looking forward to seeing films at the IMAX and will have to travel really far to the nearest one, which is really hard by public transport."

Cineworld said it is unable to comment on the situation.

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.

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.