HERITAGE cinema can sit comfortably with a new multiplex in Northwich, according to a community group working to reopen the Plaza.

Northwich Cinema Trust is reassuring Guardian readers that it still hopes to open the Grade II listed building, in Witton Street, despite the announcement that ODEON is coming to town.

ODEON will operate a five-screen multiplex, which is one of the key parts of the Barons Quay redevelopment.

Gillian Edwards, from the trust, said: “The Plaza Community Cinema group has been aware of the pending multiplex cinema as long as the Weaver Valley Partnership has been established, which is about the same time as the cinema group has been in existence.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the news that the ODEON is coming to town.

“As previously documented, the two cinemas are two completely different entities which will attract different audiences.

“The Plaza will focus on heritage and the whole cinema experience.

“We will only be able to show films six weeks after their release, which gives us great flexibility to theme weekends, whereas the multiplex will be showing blockbusters as they are released in a much different environment.

“We are delighted that the chosen provider is the ODEON as they are very community spirited and we very much look forward to working with them as we will definitely complement each other.”

Gillian said the trust is currently working to gather funding for the project, which has a £200,000 price tag.

“Thank you so much to the local community for your ongoing support, we couldn’t do this without you,” she said.

“It is a mammoth project but the constant well wishers and encouragement helps us tremendously, this truly is your cinema.

“The Plaza project continues to progress and are currently applying for funding to enable us to progress with the works.”

Any investors or anyone who wants more information should email northwichcinematrust@live.co.uk.