Preston Tithebarn Partnership, a joint venture between Grosvenor and Lend Lease, has secured leading cinema operator Cineworld as the leisure anchor for the 32 acre Preston Tithebarn scheme.
The nine screen cinema will be situated alongside the refurbished market area.
Anthony Gill, project director at Preston Tithebarn Partnership, said: ‘The leisure anchor signing is a significant achievement in the development process and Cineworld will be a key element of the proposed Preston Tithebarn scheme.
'Along with new restaurants the cinema will enhance Preston’s night time economy by attracting a wider range of visitors into the city centre in the evening.’
Steve Wiener, chief executive of Cineworld Cinemas said: ‘We follow a clearly defined strategy of developing or acquiring cinemas in key locations that satisfy a number of strict criteria including local population demographics and proximity of other leisure facilities.
'We jumped at the opportunity to open in Preston alongside the rejuvenated leisure and retail experience proposed by Preston Tithebarn.’
The Preston Tithebarn proposals also include improvements and upgraded access to The Guild Hall buildings to help reinvigorate the cultural heart of Preston.