PLANS for a seven-screen cinema and shopping complex in Redhill town centre are expected before the new year.
The multiplex proposal was announced last year, with the news that two providers were interested in running a cinema on the Marketfield Way site, currently occupied by a car park and stores including Argos, Oxfam and Coral.
But this week Reigate and Banstead borough councillor Natalie Bramhall, executive member for regeneration, told the Mirror a planning application could be lodged as early as next month.
It will mark the latest stage of the town's regeneration plans, with proposals for an Asda in Cromwell Road and the extension of the town's Sainsbury's already submitted.
"We understand that some plans for the cinema could be coming in before the end of the year," Cllr Bramhall said. "We have got confirmed interest in the site. If you get the cinema operators, you get restaurants and other businesses too."
The proposals are currently out to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union, which all public sector projects above a certain value must be published in.
News the plans could soon become reality were welcomed by other traders in the town.
Belfry Shopping Centre manager Andy Nash said: "It would be a big change and it would bring some real vibrancy to the heart of the town.
"It would give a whole new lease of life with the evening business."
Shopper Sarah Singleton, 39, said: "It would be good for the town. We go to Crawley at the moment but this would keep us in Redhill."
The town's Harlequin cinema will remain but show more "art house" films if the plans go ahead, but the future of the shops currently on the site is unclear.
Keith Pearce, who runs Cash Zone in Redhill High Street, has another two-and-a-half years to run on his lease, with a break clause next year.
"We always hear about all these plans, but nothing comes of it," he said.
"This is a dying town. There are all these plans for supermarkets and shops but who is going to spend millions to come here?"
