PLANS have been announced for a major £10million redevelopment of Clacton Factory Outlet – including a sixscreen multiplex cinema.

International investment firm Kames Capital, which owns the shopping centre in Stephenson Road West, has revealed almost half of the shop units – many of which are currently unoccupied – will be demolished to make way for extra car parking.

But there will be three new restaurants, a drive-through restaurant and a new 52,000 sq ft retail unit on the current car park site.

The redevelopment will also see the creation of a new 18,500sq ft store – next to the current Marks and Spencer store – that will be taken over by “one of the UK’s largest discount retailers”.

Works are expected to start next spring if the plans are approved by Tendring Council.

Nick Moore, asset manager of the site on behalf of Kames, said: “We thought about it long and hard and this is quite a radical change. As a retail destination it hasn’t been particularly attractive – with the car parking on one side of the site and underpass segregating the two sides.

“These plans will really boost this whole part of the town and will be a much needed lift. People will come back and that will boost footfall and sales.”

He added the company is working with existing tenants to ensure those who would like to relocate are able to.

The company refused to name the cinema operator or the national retailer until contracts are completed. The whole site will also be rebranded.

Mick Page, Tendring Council leader and councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “Clacton shopping village has had a chequered history and a number of companies running it over the years have gone into administration – it now needs some care.

“There could now be a new cinema, new units, restaurants and a complete upgrade of the shops. It is great news for Clacton and the district.”

For shopkeepers' reactions to the plans, see Thursday's Clacton Gazette.