Radical makeover planned for Bromborough’s “old and tired” cinema

May 18 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

BROMBOROUGH’S “old and tired” cinema is in line for a radical makeover.

The owners of the Croft Retail Park have announced proposals to make the Odeon Cinema smaller, close the adjoining bowling alley and create a new family restaurant in its place.

The cinema would be upgraded and reduced from 11 to seven screens.

KFC, Greggs and Subway would be relocated.

The owners of the Croft, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), are holding a public exhibition on the plans in the cinema foyer on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.

It believes the changes, which would need planning permission, would revitalise the leisure part of the Croft and allow the cinema to compete with newer rivals in Liverpool and at Cheshire Oaks.

USS’s Retail Portfolio Manager, Fergus Egan, said: “The cinema is old and tired and the bowl is operating in an increasingly competitive market.

“We are proposing comprehensive refurbishment of the exterior of the cinema.

“Reducing the number of screens will fund extensive improvements and enable us to serve the local area in the face of competition from new cinemas in Liverpool and elsewhere.”

The plans would also see the creation of retail space for non-food, “bulky goods” and improvements to pavements and cycleways.

Bromborough Councillor Steve Niblock said: “It’s sad to see the loss of the bowling alley, however if it supports jobs, revitalises that part of the leisure park and provides enhanced services for the local community then all well and good.

“I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to express their views at the consultation.”

l The exhibition will be held between 10am and 4pm on each day.