Could Clacton get its own IMAX cinema? (From Gazette)

Could Clacton get its own IMAX cinema?

5:00pm Tuesday 24th March 2009 in

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A STATE-of-the-art IMAX cinema could be built in Clacton as part of plans to regenerate the area.

The scheme has been revealed by the INTend regeneration company, which is due to make its first annual performance statement tonight.

Company director David Lines said he wanted to see the film venue, which would show high-definition images on a huge screen, built in the seaside town as a major attraction.

He said: “I’m a great lover of IMAX theatres. I would like to see one here and we are making enquiries about that, although it is still in the very early stages.”

A number of other schemes are also in the pipeline, said Mr Lines.

He added: “My own favourite is the alternative energy centre. We are in talks with an education provider and Dong Energy – which is building the Gunfleet Sands Wind Farm – about providing it on the seafront.

“Educational schemes like this will help extend the traditional summer season from 12 weeks to between 38 and 42.

INTend is also set to begin a regeneration scheme in Harwich and complete a masterplan for Walton in October.

The company, set up by Tendring Council’s ruling group last year, has been criticised by Conservative opponents for failing to attract grants and for appointing a number of highly-paid officials.

But Mr Lines, who is also leader of the council, believes INTend has far more scope to regenerate the district than the council.

Neil Stock, leader of the Conservative opposition on the council, was nominated as a director of the company, but resigned months later.

He said: “One of the main reasons INTend was set up was to bring in funding.

“As a limited company we were told it could bring in funding the council couldn’t. But it has spent money on wages and expertise that could have been spent directly on our problem areas, rather than on bureaucracy.”

However, Mr Lines said the company is currently bidding for another £8million.

He added: “After all the necessary processes to set up the company and staff, we have really only been up and running about six months.

“It is frustrating that you can’t just go ahead and start projects, but you have to negotiate.”