THE development company behind one of  Haverfordwest’s cinema proposals has announced it has a partner backing its scheme.

Conygar has submitted a planning application for a cinema complex on the edge of the county town on land behind Slade Lane.

It has announced today that it has signed an agreement with Premiere Cinemas to deliver a five-screen cinema complex and accompanying restaurants if planning is approved.

“In addition, several major hotel chains have expressed an interest and one has provided a letter of intent to create a 60-bedroom hotel as part of the development, highlighting the faith in the scheme that key businesses have,” adds the announcement.

The proposed 17-acre schemes, close to Haverfordwest town centre will also include ten retail units (including restaurants) covering 95,000 sq ft and would potential create hundreds of jobs.

Premiere Cinemas has been trading for many years and operates cinemas across the UK with flagship units in the Capitol Shopping Centre, Cardiff and Romford, Greater London.

Paul Jervis, Managing Director, Premiere Cinemas says: “Key to our decision to work with Conygar at this location was the assurances we have received on the deliverability of this scheme in 2018. In addition, the availability of substantial free parking spaces was key to the decision as free parking was vitally important to our customers. They want to be able to access the cinema and its associated restaurants and amenities as easily as possible and this site off Thomas Parry Way is ideal.

“We also know there is huge potential to tap into the tourism sector within Pembrokeshire which attracts millions of visitors each year. By offering five screens and a mix of movies within the overall scheme we are confident we will appeal to a wide selection of customers which is good for Premiere, for Pembrokeshire and for Haverfordwest.”

Commenting on the news, Conygar’s Chief Executive, Robert Ware said: “We are delighted that such highly regarded businesses see the potential in our proposed development and are committed to helping us make it a success. The cinema complex and hotel complement each other and contribute to the development’s strength. The large area of free parking that will be available as part of the scheme, over 600 spaces, was crucial to these businesses and other potential occupiers getting involved.

“This blend of leisure and retail use is a consistent theme for the most successful schemes. This approach attracts people from a wide catchment area and increases both the amount of time customers spend in the area and the shopping expenditure in the wider town.

“This news follows on quickly from construction commencing at another of our Welsh developments, a retail scheme in Cross Hands which will create 260 jobs. We are very keen to bring investment, jobs and new retailers to Haverfordwest as quickly as possible and hope to receive a planning decision soon.”