PLANS for a major new entertainment complex in Blackburn could be scrapped if the Tories triumph in upcoming elections.

Permission was granted for the new Reel Cinema development at the site of the former Waves Water Fun Centre by members of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee.

The cinema firm will sign a 20-year lease and the building is expected to have a 50-year lifespan.

But Cllr John Pearson said he was sceptical the £6.5 million development, which is to be funded by the council and leased to Reel Cinema, would prove financially viable.

And Conservatives on Blackburn with Darwen Council have pledged to scrap the scheme if they gain control of the council following local government elections in May.

They say the money could be spent on other priorities, with Darwen West Conservatives earmarking the restoration of Darwen’s Market Hall, regenerating Darwen’s town centre or repairing Darwen’s roads as potential alternatives.

Cllr Pearson said: “It’s an admirable proposal and the right thing for this part of town but 20 years is a long time,” he said.

“Maybe I won’t be around to see it knocked down before it is fully paid for.”

Now approval for the development has been granted, work on the site is expected to begin over the summer ahead of a scheduled opening in December next year.

The new cinema on the Nab Lane site will include two food and drink outlets together with a bar.

Labour councillor Jamie Groves said: “I think this is a wonderful development and it’s a great news story for Blackburn.

“It is a fantastic way to bring the former Waves site back into use. This will definitely enhance the night-time economy of Blackburn.”

Cllr Groves added the new development would help bring in cash through rental income and business rates, as well as parking charges.

Developed by the council, the new cinema will be leased to Reel Cinema, which has a site in Burnley, a major independent operation owned by Kailash Chander ‘KC’ Suri.

Waves swimming complex closed in 2015 after 29 years when the new Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre opened its doors, with the one-acre site off Feilden Street becoming a car park.

The cinema will have a 100-space underground car park which would be free for film-goers.

and bring extra car parking capacity to the town centre.

It is intended that the car park will attract further commercial operators to the town and help the revival of King George’s Hall as a venue.

In addition, it will boast the town centre’s first electric vehicle charging points, ten in total.

Council bosses hope the new independent cinema will complements the borough’s plans for the Northgate regeneration quarter, which includes the Blakey Moor and the Fabric Border projects that were announced by the council late last year.