FILM fans will have been excited to see a new sign erected ahead of the opening of Bolton’s new town centre cinema.

The logo of The Light Cinema Experience is now emblazoned across the site where the nine-screen complex is being created within the Market Place Shopping Centre.

The cinema is part of the major £19 million redevelopment of the shopping centre by owners the Moorgarth Group, which will also see a host of big-name restaurants open in the refurbished Victoria vaults of the building.

Major chains Nando’s and Prezzo have already agreed to open sites in the vaults and The Bolton News expects to announce another big name in the coming weeks.

The restaurants side of the development is due to open to the public on March 18 with the cinema expected to hold its first screenings in May.

Last week The Bolton News also revealed that a new play area will be created within the Market Place vaults — including an 18-hole crazy golf course, a giant model railway and a climbing area for youngsters.

It will be the second new play area to be created in the town centre, with work progressing well on Bolton Council’s scheme to develop a new facility for children in Octagon Court next to the Lever Chambers Health Centre.

The council is aiming to make the town centre a more inviting place for families to visit and today’s announcement regarding the refurbishing of shop fronts in Newport Street is a major part of that plan.

Construction of the new £6.5 millions Bolton Central Office at the junction of Great Moor Street and Newport Street is also ongoing.