by Jan Thom

A £1million nightclub proposed for the former New Century Cinema could be on the cards if a town businessman gets his way.

Stephen Cross, of Eurolink Business Centre fruit packers, Cross and Wells, has hatched ambitious plans for the luxury nightspot under the banner of newly-formed leisure company Masoj.

The project could create up to 50 new jobs.

Mr Cross claims Sittingbourne lacks entertainment choice, especially now major residential development has taken place.

He is applying for change of use for the High Street cinema which closed at the end of February.

Owners Reeltime Cinemas decided to call it a day after audiences dwindled.

Managing director Michael Vickers said he could no longer afford to keep the cinema open with losses of around £30,000 a year.

Two planning applications to convert the cinema for community church use were both turned down by Swale Borough Council’s planning committee.

In a design statemen,t Masoj Leisure claims Sittingbourne’s infrastructure has not kept pace with the influx of people.

For the full story, see this week's Sittingbourne Messenger, out Friday.