A SIX-screen cinema is set to be built in Chorley when a shopping mall is extended.

National chain Reel Cinema announced its commitment to be part of extension plans for the Market Walk centre.

The operator is the first business to publicly declare its commitment to the scheme and will enter into a 20-year lease.

Refined plans for the 84,000 sq ft Market Walk extension have been the subject of a public consultation before a full planning application is submitted in the next few weeks.

The proposed £10m development will include three large retail units and several branded restaurants alongside the cinema, creating up to 200 jobs.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Chorley Council, who own the shopping centre, said: “Feedback from local residents and businesses on the extension plans has proved that people in Chorley are really keen to see a multi-screen cinema in the town centre and we have been working hard to secure it.

“Getting the first tenant on board is a really important step and we’ll be continuing our work to secure lettings on at least 65 per cent of the new units, which is what we want to achieve before any work would start on site.”

KC Suri, Managing Director of Reel Cinema, said: “We’re really pleased to be signing up to the scheme which is looking to be an exciting development ."