Movie House Cinemas has bought the seven-acre Jet Centre entertainment complex in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, from Kennedys Contracts, a Dublin-based property group, for £6m.

The independent cinema company plans to instigate a three-phase development programme that will see the introduction of bowling lanes, a new restaurant and a fast food outlet by 2007 and possibly an indoor crazy golf centre at a later stage.

Work has already begun on a £1.8m redevelopment of the cinema, which will include the addition of two new screens on top of the existing four, plus new seats, carpet, flooring, ticket desks, shops and open foyer space.

Movie House managing director Michael McAdam said: “We felt Coleraine was an ideal location for Movie House. The area has grown rapidly in recent years and it’s been crying out for a modern leisure development.

“The Jet Centre has suffered somewhat from neglect but we plan to bring it back to life by improving the facilities and making it a great day out.”

The cinema is scheduled to reopen in July. Details: www.moviehouse.co.uk

Photo: Movie House managing director Michael McAdam