COUNCILLORS are set to discuss plans for a cinema, restaurant and bar complex in Burnley this week.

The multi-million pound scheme on land at Curzon Street and Pioneer Place car park is expected to be given the green light at Burnley Council’s development control committee meeting on Thursday night.

Last year, the Lancashire Telegraph reported the application for the eight-screen multiplex cinema, along with seven food and beverage units, two retail or leisure units along with 125 car parking spaces.

Council chiefs are in negotiation with potential operators including Nando's.

In the report, it is claimed as that it will raise the profile of ‘Burnley town centre as a leisure destination/night-time economy’.

It will also ‘vary the town’s retail and leisure offer and improve links to bus and railway stations’.

Leader of Burnley Council, Cllr Charlie Briggs said: “I think this is a fantastic scheme and I started the process off previously when I was leader of the council.

“Now I am back, I am hoping to get it sorted this time around.

“We have had considerable amount of people wanting to take it forward with some food chains such as Nando's looking at it.”

In October, Maple Grove Developments provided new images of how the Pioneer Place leisure and retail development will look. The firm plans to be on site late next year with key elements finished in 2022.

The firm has submitted the blueprint for the first £18m stage of the scheme on Curzon Street to the borough council with the design and images of the new Reel Cinema at its heart.

Reel Cinema is already lined up for the cinema element of the plan.

K C Suri, owner of Reel Cinema, said: “Burnley is a good location for us, with a thriving local economy. With its modern design, Pioneer Place will be a great addition to Burnley town centre attracting more visitors and creating a dynamic leisure environment.”