POOLE’S Empire cinema will become one of the largest in the south if plans to build six new screens by the start of the summer blockbuster season go ahead.

Bosses at the Tower Park complex want to put in an extra 500 seats upstairs, bringing the total number of theatres to 16 and cementing the cinema’s status as one of the top 20 in the country.

Film fans will get a greater choice of movies under the expansion into space previously occupied by PhazerZone.

The licensing application for six new cinemas, varying in size from 44 to 77 seats, next to the Monkey Bizness children’s play area was lodged with Poole council this week.

If passed, it will see Poole as the biggest movie centre for miles around. Cinemas at Bristol, Portsmouth and Southampton have 13 or 14 screens each.

The biggest multiplex crown goes to Manchester with 20 screens, followed by Glasgow and Liverpool with 18.

An Empire spokesman said the project would bring the chain’s investment in Poole’s silver screen to more than £3million since it took over in 2005.

The cinema, which first opened in 1989, underwent a £2.5million refit between 2008 - 2009.

“Works will commence in the next couple of weeks with a view to opening these screens prior to the peak Summer season,” he said.

“This further investment at Tower Park demonstrates our commitment to bringing the best cinema experience to the area.”

Films currently showing range from children’s flick Rango, family favourite Gnomeo and Juliet in 3D to sci-fi comedy Paul and Oscar winner The King’s Speech. Anne Jolliffe, centre manager of Tower Park, owned by X-Leisure, said: “We’re thrilled about this additional seating, which will put the space to such good use.”

Residents’ comments on the application must be lodged by Wednesday, April 27.