CHORLEY town centre could be home to a new leisure complex if a planned £3 million development on Pall Mall is given the go-ahead.

The former Normid Superstore building would include a 12-lane ten-pin bowling alley, a four-screen cinema seating almost 800 people, a restaurant, pub, nightclub and fast-food bar.

The cinema would be housed in an extension about half the size of the present building, stretching on to the car park on the Bolton Street side.

The site has been owned by Hemway Ltd for three years. A plan to build offices there more than a year ago failed and, apart from some first floor offices, the building has remained empty.

Paul Stephenson of agents Fletcher Smith Architects said: "The reaction so far is welcoming. Everyone is glad to see something could be done with the site which runs the risk of becoming an eyesore if left empty.

"Chorley has a large catchment area requiring substantial leisure facilities. The town is crying out for a development like this, especially with the Chorley Mills leisure complex being turned down.

"Each part of the complex will be leased out to freeholders. If permission is granted we anticipate starting work early next year to open for Autumn 1997."

Alan Croston, of Chorley Borough Council's technical services, said: "We have extensive consultations to carry out with various agencies, residents and the highways authority, then the proposals will be discussed before the planning committee.

"The general idea nowadays is to have centralised leisure facilities with easy access, especially for those with no car. The jobs created would be an added advantage."

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