Basildon looks set to house one of the biggest cinemas in the country, if ambitious plans are given the go-ahead.

UCI bosses have applied to expand their Festival Leisure Park multiplex to 20 screens, making it the third largest complex in the UK.

Booming business over the last year has forced UCI to look at expanding the 2,900-seat multiplex.

The extension would almost double the size of the £11 million venue to 4,500 seats, making it one of the premier venues in the country, according to cinema boss Ian Duffield.

An executive screen and an auditorium featuring Asian films will be just some of the attractions.

The planned eight-screen extension was to be discussed by Basildon councillors last night.

If given the go-ahead, UCI bosses will decide in the next six months whether to go ahead with the extension.

Mr Duffield said: "We always had plans to look at expanding the cinema as part of our business plan.

"We planned to wait for 18 months to see what the level of business was like in Basildon.

"Attendances on a weekly basis have been very good and we have exceeded our budget.

"We've seen an increase over the last three months of six per cent but we will not jump in until absolutely certain."

The cinema, which opened last July, already has the biggest cinema screen in the country outside London's West End as well as the latest hi-tech sound system and stadium seating.

The extension would provide cinema-goers with a greater number and variety of films, including the latest Bollywood releases straight from Asia.

The eight screens would be built on the lake at the back of the multiplex and linked to the main complex by a gangway.

Mr Duffield said: "There will be a veranda and bar along with a privilege screen with its own private bar and tables for about 100 people.

"The extension will make us one of the premier cinemas in the UK, not just for UCI, but for the whole industry."

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