Burnley’s Apollo cinema set for refurbishment (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley’s Apollo cinema set for refurbishment

5:10pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

A NEW look is being proposed for Burnley’s Apollo Cinema as part of a major investment by its London owners.

Plans have been unveiled for a new restaurant development at the front of the Apollo multiplex, off Manchester Road.

Cinema bosses say it will help to give a more contemporary feel to the complex, which was opened in 1997, and enable it to compete against other East Lancashire rivals.

Ben Tabiner, of Ellis Williams Architects, said in a report to planners: “This development, through the provision of additional leisure facilities, provides an opportunity to reinvigorate the appearance of the cinema to reflect the changes that have taken place since it opened 14 years ago.”

Extra jobs have been promised as a result of the extension, alongside around 12 extra parking spaces.

“The proposal provides an opportunity to bring a fresh new contemporary aesthetic to the cinema entrance,” added Mr Tabiner.

Recently six screens at the Apollo have been upgraded, in a £2.7million revamp, to enable the latest 3D films to be shown there.

Proposals show that the extension would measure around 325 square metres and would be located to the side of the existing front entrance.

The site, which was formerly a Burnley branch of the Do-It-All chain, is also home to the Hollywood Star bar and grill.