THE MAIN ATTRACTION

New developments at Switch Island provide leisure boost

by Alan Murphy and Graeme Hayden

Construction of the new 12-screen Odeon multiplex cinema is well underway at the Switch Island Leisure Park on Dunnings Bridge Road (see picture), which means local film buffs will no longer have to travel to Crosby or the East Lancs. Road to see the latest releases.

There are also plans to build a new McDonald’s ‘drive-thru’ restaurant at the park as well as a pub and two other restaurants. The new developments join the existing Mecca bingo hall, Matalan and Megabowl and will mean people of all ages will spend their leisure time at Switch Island.

Previously known as Sefton Retail Park, the Dunnings Bridge Road site was acquired by Barlows (Sefton) Ltd. in June 1996 and renamed as the developers set about changing the emphasis from retail to leisure.

Consent for the cinema development was granted on 14th July 1997 and construction commenced in December. The completion of shell works is scheduled for the end of May and following a multi-million pound fit out, the Odeon will open in the Summer.

Over 70 full and part-time jobs will be created once the new facilities open and Mike Swift, Chief Executive of Sefton Chamber of Commerce is pleased with the progress.

"The Switch Island Leisure Park is a major boost in every way for the Netherton area and also for outlying towns, whose residents will inevitably benefit from new job prospects and a wider choice of leisure facilities," he said.

Barlows say considerable interest has been shown in the remaining land at the park so they are confident of further developments in the near future. Watch this space!

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