THESE dramatic pictures from one of the country's largest cranes capture how the new cinema complex in Bolton town centre is shaping up.

The photographs were taken from the 123-metre high crane cabin by Mclaren Construction.

The crane is currently dominating the Bolton skyline as it works to create the new nine-screen 1,200 seat cinema at the Market Place.

The pictures show the steel structure which has been put in place to house the cinema.

The development which is on track for its opening of December 18, forms part of the wider £19 million redevelopment project taking place at the shopping centre, which includes the opening of bars and restaurants in the refurbished Victorian vaults as well as new firms setting up shop inside the centre.

Part of the Market Place’s car park has been demolished to make way for the 30,000 square ft cinema complex, with studios sized from 270 to 80 seats.

More car parking spaces will be built above the multiplex and movie-goers will be able to enter the cinema by a central escalator and new lifts.

From the central foyer, which will run along the south edge of the existing building, there will be views over the roof of the Market Hall, built in 1855, to Bolton Town Hall.

Inside the foyer there will be ticket booths, pick-up points for customers buying tickets online, food, drink and toilets, as well as a licensed bar and terrace.

Market Place manager Nikki Wilson-Cooke said: "This is the first time pictures have been taken from the crane and shows the structure of the cinema complex and how shows people how it is development.

"It is very exciting, from one to 10, I am a 12 on how excited I am.

"I think the cinema is good news for the town. It gives people choice and brings more people into the town which is good for the economy.

"The screens are licensed so it will be an experience for those who visit."

Films shown will be big blockbusters and live feeds from concerts and theatres but it will also used for education and to show films appealing to the diverse community of Bolton.