TWO “big name” food and drink businesses are set to move into Basildon’s flagship East Square cinema complex.

The council has submitted a planning application to spit one of the six restaurant units on the site into two.

The move follows discussions with two operators that have show interest in running smaller units.

“We have had interested from two outlets that wanted to share with one of the units split into two smaller ones,” Conservative councillor Craig Rimmer, responsible for regeneration, said.

“The council is working to facilitate that at bring in new business to the town.

“These are big names that people will recognise and be excited and happy to see in the town centre.”

The development includes six restaurant units – set to become seven – three of which have been filled by Orleto Lounge, Nando’s and Kaspa’s Deserts.

“Talks are ongoing to fill the last remaining full size units,” Mr Rimmer said.

“We are in discussions with one operator which will add value to the food offerings in East Square in a different way to what we already have,” the Pitsea South East councillor added.

Residents have long-awaited the opening of the Empire Cinema in East Square, the main feature of the £25 million complex.

Initially due to open in February of 2022, the date has been repeatedly pushed back.

Delays have been partly caused by the invasion of Ukraine and global economic challenges, Empire Cinema previously told the Echo, with the firm having to wait longer than expected to receive and fit “advanced laser projection technology”.

More than a year after the cinema was supposed to open, Mr Rimmer says he cannot confirm an opening date, but did say there would be an update “very soon”.

He said: “I know we have had to wait some time for this, but I can say there will be an update very soon, so watch this space.”

The cinema, which will boast 10 screens, is expected to be the largest in Essex.

The venue itself will also be Empire’s largest outside London with capacity for up to 500 people inside the cinema.