BUILDING a new town centre cinema would be too expensive, shopping centre bosses claim.

Infrared, which bought Basildon's Eastgate Centre for £88.6million, confirmed to the Echo it has pulled out of plans to build a cinema at the top of the shopping complex because the project is not "financially viable."

The company announced that wanted to build a multi screen cinema in July 2014, the cinema would have been a centre piece in the Eastgate centre.

There were also plans for a new entrance to the centre.

The Echo revealed on Monday July 25 how Infrared had not managed to secure a cinema operator to take the cinema plans to the next stage.

Phil Turner leader of Basildon Council announced that the council will now be considering a cinema as part of a £50 million regeneration project of the town centre.

Kerry Smith, Independence from the EU councillor for Nethermayne said he looks forward to Basildon Council putting forward plans for a new cinema.

He added: “I was very disappointed to see that Infrared was not able to carry out their plans for a cinema as I think it would have been a great addition to the town centre.

“I think what Infrared were planning was different from what Basildon Council was planning so we will have to see what plans Basildon Council brings forward next.

“I think that there is a lot of interest in cinemas at the moment and that cinemas have become very popular thanks to films such as the new Star Wars and I think that the recent popularity of the cinema will increase.

“I hope that Basildon Council can bring forward a plan that’s achievable and we can get some kind of cinema in the town centre.”

A spokesman for Infrared said: “The planned development of a cinema at Eastgate is not proceeding in the foreseeable future.”

Keith Butcher, Director of Real Estate at InfraRed, added: “We are always looking to improve the Centres we own and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they sit and are committed to ensuring the long-term future of Eastgate so that it remains an important and vibrant shopping destination.

“We will be discussing various improvements to Eastgate with Basildon Council in the near future and will be looking to work with them and other stakeholders to further enhance Basildon town centre as a sought-after destination.”

Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council, said Basildon Council is eager to work with InfraRed as the company is a critical partner in redeveloping our town centre.

He added: "The council will be engaging with cinema operators to work towards a viable cinema scheme. InfraRed are a valued member of a retail community and their continued investment in the Eastgate Centre is extremely welcomed."