AN INDEPENDENT cinema will bring the magic of the movies to Cirencester if plans to redevelop Brewery Court are given the go-ahead next week.

Everyman will run the new multi-screen complex in the heart of the town if the Wildmoor Properties Ltd development is approved by Cotswold District Council on Wednesday.

The entire development, including a cinema, six shops, four restaurants and student accommodation, is expected to cost around £48million.

The development as a whole will provide about 150 new jobs, with approximately 50 of those full-time.

Wildmoor expects this to boost the local economy by more than £10 million over the first five years in terms of salaries.

A Wildmoor spokesman said: “Everyman would create a real community cinema, with something for everyone, whether it’s a blockbuster, classic or special events.

"Their bespoke and unique approach is so suited to Cirencester, reflecting the town’s own unique qualities, which is why we have opted to go with them rather than one of the mainstream multiplex brands.”

The cinema will have a total of 387 seats, with three larger screen rooms each taking more than 100 people.

The fourth screen will have 36 seats and be available to hire as a private screening room.

If plans are approved on Wednesday, the project would enter a detailed consultation phase with all parties affected by the plans able to have their say.

Once work begins, it is hoped to take one year for the shell of the development to be completed. Then the individual businesses will step in to complete their own work.

Lead member for planning at Cirencester Town Council, Cllr Geoffrey Adams, said: “The development will be a welcome part of the upgrade that Cirencester is in the process of receiving, which includes the regeneration of the Market Place and other improvements to the centre of our special town."

The initial investment in the development of the scheme will cost more than £20million. Once it is up and running, it will bring in £28million a year.

However there are still businesses and residents who believe the cinema is not suitable for its planned location, and Meg Blunsdon has collected almost 1,000 signatures on a petition which will be handed to CDC on Wednesday.

One of the directors of Jungle Boutique, Hilary Stewart, said the scheme would mean the loss of many independent shops.

The revised plans also includes six new large shops, four restaurants or cafes, student accommodation, and a facelift to pedestrian areas.