Multiplex cinema in new plans

MAJOR multi-million pound plans to revamp the heart of Newton Abbot are set to take a massive step forward this week.

A new state-of-the-art multiplex cinema and a dining quarter full of new restaurants for the town are all included in the next phase of the regeneration that could see up to £180m of investment.

A new cultural hub, a health and wellbeing centre, and a hotel in the town centre, are also part of the scheme councillors will be asked to back on Wednesday.

Officers will outline to Teignbridge District Council’s executive the options for the council to deliver the next phase of regeneration in Newton Abbot

The same meeting will also see the council recommended to start procurement for a joint venture partner for the delivery of the Bradley Lane regeneration, which includes 170 homes and a mix of business uses, while a new report on the Market Walk development is also up for discussion.

Work on the £2m improvement on the council-owned shopping centre is almost complete, but that is just the first phase of a £30m investment.

The full details of the reports are in a private sessiondue to the confidential and financial nature, but some details of the proposed regeneration have already been made public.

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, leader of the council, said the plans were very exciting and would build on the regeneration successes already carried out.

A report by Tony Watson, interim head of commercial services, adds: “The Masterplan for Newton Abbot town centre will be exhibited to the public upon completion of the refurbishment of Market Walk.

“The council have been reviewing options to deliver a new cinema in the town in order to promote evening economy and drive forward the further improvements to the town centre.”

It is understood Scott Cinemas, who manage the existing Alexandra Cinema in the town, are the preferred provider for the new cinema.

It is also believed the plans include relocating the cinema into Market Walk, relocating some shops, more hotels and improving car parks, while the existing cinema building will be transformed into a cultural hub.

The former Job Centre building in Sherbourne Roadis now understood to be a possible site for health provision.

PAIGNTON’S Estella Carter Briggs, granddaughter of writer, naturalist and Herald Express columnist Brian Carter, has written her name into the record books. Estella, who is 17, is the new under eighteen British Longboard surfing champion and ranked number one in the country. The championships were held at Fistral Beach in Newquay. Her next step will be to tackle surf competitions in Europe.