Eight in line up to operate theatre

The hopefuls have said they are interested in taking charge of the unique film and performance venue.

The companies include well-known national firms, well-known in the entertainment world, as well as local organisations though their identities are being kept secret. They will now be invited to submit more detailed proposals about how they would manage the combination of cinematic, live and community entertainment mix proposed for the seafront.

The venue will be a prime component of the vibrant entertainment and leisure hub being put together for the seafront by Arun District Council and its development partner, St Modwen Properties.

A report by St Modwen's leisure consultants, Locum Consulting, recommended a destination film and performance venue offering a high-quality cinema and dining experience. It would have up to 500 seats of which many will be hinged to create a large flat-floor space. Three further auditoria of varying sizes are envisaged as well.

Invitations to become further involved in creating this new entertainment future for the town will be sent out by St Modwen's leisure consultants, Locum.

These will be despatched by Monday ten days after the deadline for the first expressions of interest.

Companies still keen to become involved will have until February 1 to send in their detailed intentions.

These will be considered by Arun and St Modwen later that month before a final decision by councillors on March 8.

News of the keenness of leisure operators to come to Bognor was revealed to Monday's meeting of the district council's Bognor Regis sub-committee by Locum managing director Sean Young.

He said 26 invitations to become involved with the project had been issued by Locum to known operators and through adverts in Estate Gazette and Leisure Opportunities.

Mr Young said: "I am pretty pleased with the response. I understand the companies that have expressed an interest have good track records and the portfolios we have received are quite positive."