CAR park operator NCP will race against time to build a multiplex cinema in Bournemouth town centre and thwart the council’s bus hub plans.

The council has earmarked £10million to try to get a Compulsory Purchase Order for the Exeter Road car park and build a bus hub there.

But NCP has written to councillors warning it will not give up ownership of the prized site without a fight.

Instead, it remains committed to the West Central development that would see a cinema and restaurants built on the car park.

NCP claims this scheme, which is due to be built by its partner Licet, is already 75 per cent let.

Property services officer Gary Platt told cabinet members: “The letter makes the assertion that works will start later this year and will be completed before the council can process the CPO. It also makes the assertion that the council has understated the total cost of the scheme.”

However, councillors were undaunted by NCP’s robust response and said they would press on with their bid to buy the site.

Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, said: “Nothing in this letter surprises me. It has been a long and difficult process to get us to the point that we are at today. We have allowed NCP and Licet more than sufficient opportunity to enter into negotiations with us. What we are doing we are doing because we think it’s in the best interests of Bournemouth and council taxpayers and visitors to our town.”

Cllr Ron Whittaker pointed out the council missed an opportunity to buy the site for £1.6m in 1990 and said: “We’ve got to give it a good shot.”

And Cllr Bob Chapman said: “NCP have done a lot of damage to this town by charging silly prices for the car park in the past. It’s essential to go ahead with the CPO.”