An £85m extension is to be carried out at the Arndale Centre in Eastbourne, it has been announced.

Earlier this year, Legal & General Property (LGP) announced that it had received planning permission for its extension to the centre. The proposals would transform the site and deliver a leisure element. Seven restaurants units would be constructed, as well as 175,000 sq ft of new retail space, more than 300 car parking spaces and a new pedestrian link. It has now been announced that a new nine-screen cinema will also be built. The agreement has been reached by LGP and Cineworld. The multiplex cinema will occupy 31,000 sq ft on the second floor of the new build and will provide a seating capacity of up to 1,250.

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It is expected to open in early 2018, following the completion of the Arndale extension.

Commenting on the partnership, Kevin Frost, UK Property Director at Cineworld, said: "We now feel the time is right to take up a more central location within the town and we are delighted to be moving into the new Arndale extension towards the end of 2017 or early 2018."

Simon Russian, Head of Retail Development at Legal & General Property, added: "As the regeneration of the heart of Eastbourne continues to gain momentum, this deal is a significant endorsement of the move of leisure operators back into town centres.

"The accessibility of the Arndale Centre to all modes of transport is a key factor and this major letting to Cineworld will act as a catalyst to boosting the town's evening economy, bringing with it a wide range of quality, family based restaurants. This is a significant step forward in the re-positioning of one of the South Coasts most successful shopping centres."

The existing scheme is anchored by Marks & Spencer, BHS, Sainsbury's, River Island and Primark. Earlier this year, H&M confirmed it had taken a 23,000 sq ft pre-let on the extension, acting as its first anchor.

Contractors will be invited to bid by the middle of 2015 for the new extension.

(JP/IT)