Revised plans for leisure facilities at the multi-million pound Rushden Lakes Development will see the creation of 1,255 extra jobs.
Members of East Northamptonshire Council’s planning management committee unanimously agreed to plans to scrap a hotel, leisure club, crèche and bowling alley in place of a larger 14-screen cinema, three more shops and restaurants and 461 extra parking spaces.
The move will see the number of jobs on offer at the leisure complex, located off the A45 near Rushden, increase from 2,505 to 3,760.
LXB Properties’ application for a leisure building to include a 14-screen cinema, indoor trampoline facility, indoor climbing facility and restaurants, as well retail units, cycle hire facilities and associated access was considered by councillors this week.
Martin Griffiths, the Leader of Wellingborough Council attended the meeting and spoke to express his strong support for the plans as well as welcoming mitigation measures proposed by the developers for Wellingborough Town Centre.
On behalf of applicant LXB, Jon McCarthy, said: “I would like to apologise to Rushden Town Council for not being able to deliver a hotel.”
He added: “I hope Rushden Lakes can be somewhere where local people can work, shop and play both now and for many years to come.”
Councillors gave their unanimous support for the new application.
The total number of retail units now planned for the complex stands at 42. There will be 18 restaurants and 1,880 parking spaces on offer.
The application now faces one more hurdle before planning permission is granted.