A SIX-SCREEN cinema could be built at Clacton’s out-of-town factory outlet.

Investment company Rom Capital, which bought the Stephenson Road shopping centre last year, says it has the cash in place for the £3million multiplex.

The cinema would be built on part of the car park, along with a drive-through restaurant, a car showroom and a children’s ball park.

Daren Burney, chief executive, said: “We would like to see a multiplex cinema with six screens in a state-of-the art digital format.

“We have a company prepared to run the cinema and they are a well-known operator.

“We will also have restaurants at the cinema and have a number of major retailers lined up.

“If we get permission to build the cinema we have the finance in place to go ahead without delay.

“We need planning consent for the cinema and then will plan what will compliment that.”

Rom Capital, which specialises in reviving neglected shopping centres, bought Clacton Factory Outlet last year.

It has already overhauled shop fronts and fabric canopies will be put up over the malls in the spring.

Mr Burney said the cinema would use a digital format rather than 35mm film, so it could also be used by schools and businesses for presentations and training.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Tendring to have such a powerful investor prepared to put its hand in its pocket to improve facilities in the town.

“To have a cinema at the site would be brilliant, but obviously this has to go through the planning process and I hope they find a way forward with the planners to compensate for building out of town.”

Pierre Oxley, chairman of Clacton Chamber of Trade and Tourism, added: “Clacton needs a multi-screen cinema and if that is at the factory outlet, all well and good.

“Most cinemas are now out-of-town and you need good car parking for them. Clacton needs a modern cinema that will attract young people and families. If the shopping centre does well then the town centre will do well – Clacton is on the up as a shopping destination.”

Clacton’s only cinema is the two-screen Flicks, in Pier Avenue.