THE company behind London's popular Screen on the Green has revealed plans to transform part of Liverpool’s Metquarter into a luxury cinema complex.

Cinemagoers will be able to enjoy a glass of wine and quality food, sitting in plush armchairs with footrests to watch films.

Everyman (no relation to Liverpool’s Hope Street theatre) wants to create a three-screen cinema at the Victoria Street end of the MetQ.

As well as mainstream and art-house films, the proposed Everyman will also screen lives shows from the West End, Covent Garden and the New York Met, as well as major world events.

The Metquarter, built as a designer-shop emporium, suffered when Liverpool One opened its doors, creating tough competition.

Planners in Liverpool have been supportive of the scheme during pre-application discussions, said Rebecca Palmer, senior planner with planning consultancy Turley.

An application for planning permission for the cinema development has been lodged with the council by the owners of the Metquarter.

Metquarter1

Ms Palmer said the cinema development will span around 9,250 sq feet of floor space on two levels. As well as three screens there will be a private screen for hire for children’s parties and other events. Added together the screens will have a capacity of 325 seats.

She said the Met is undergoing a revitalisation after being affected by the recession as well as the opening of Liverpool One.

The cinema development is described as the first phase of a package of proposed major enhancements to the Metquarter.

Liverpool Confidential understands a bowling alley at the MetQuarter has also been discussed, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Turley described the Everyman group as a high quality cinema operator.

Everyman cinemas usually have a licensed bar and enhanced food offer.

Everyman says its mission is to create “a truly unique and memorable cinema experience that exceeds expectations and reaches the highest standards possible in quality, comfort and entertainment …  where you can you enjoy a cinematic experience, swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and a slice of freshly made pizza and where the cinema feels almost like a home from home”. 

The company adds: “A world apart from the multiplex experience consumers normally associate with cinema, we bring our modern, lifestyle brand to all of our sites.”