RESTAURANT chain ASK is the latest name to sign up to a multi-million pound cinema and restaurant complex planned for Bournemouth.

Italian eaterie ASK has submitted a licensing application seeking permission to serve food and alcohol from a new premises in West Central.

The £50million West Central development will contain a multiplex Odeon cinema alongside an assortment of shops and restaurants.

Nando’s, Chiquito, Prezzo and Frankie and Benny’s have also confirmed their commitment to the scheme, which is funded by Legal and General (Leisure).

The scheme was until recently the subject of a land wrangle between Bournemouth council and developers NCP and Licet. Although the scheme had planning permission, Bournemouth council was trying to get a Compulsory Purchase Order for the site so they could build a bus hub there.

However last month the council abandoned these plans, deciding instead to give developers a year to make improvements and progress the scheme. If this does not happen, the council will have first refusal on purchasing the site.

Chris Dymond, director of Licet, pictured inset, said: “We’re delighted that ASK has come on board as the latest in the line-up of high quality family restaurants which includes brand-leading national and local names.

“We’re expecting to announce the full list of names and more news next months.”