Multi-screen cinema planned for Cheetham Hill in huge Manchester Fort revamp

Manchester Fort retail park could get a cinema and hotel as part of attempts to avoid decline.

A new masterplan for the shopping centre - which was opened in 2004 - aims to move away from the major ‘bulky goods’ outlets that originally anchored it, such as B&Q, and towards leisure, food and drink as both its owners and the council look to revamp it.

The document says north Manchester is particularly lacking a cinema at the moment and argues a new multiplex could anchor a redeveloped park instead, to help it weather the tough environment facing retailers.

At the same time more food and drink outlets would be encouraged, along with a three-star or budget hotel at the Queen’s Road end of the park.

It is understood the council is also keen to