PLANS have been revealed for a new £10 million leisure development in Harrogate.

The proposals, which are set to create 250 jobs, include a four-screen cinema and a range of family restaurants.

The news comes just days after department store Beales revealed it would have to close after failing to extend its lease on the building in Albert Street, which is the subject of redevelopment plans.

The plans for the redevelopment of the former Co-operative building in Station Parade and Albert Street, currently occupied by Beales, are now being prepared for submission to Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.

The £10 million scheme is being proposed by Harrogate-based urban regeneration specialists 4Urban Consulting Ltd.

Paul Lancaster, managing director of 4Urban, said: “Following detailed research and discussions with prospective tenants, it became clear that the former Co-operative site, which is outside the prime retail core, is ideally situated for a development of this nature and can add considerably to the overall attraction of Harrogate.

“Since acquiring the building from Anglia Regional Co-operative in 2009, we have carefully considered a number of options and believe that creation of a readily accessible leisure scheme at this location will help to boost the local economy by increasing choice for residents and visitors alike and reducing leakage to other centres.”

Retailers, consumers, businesses, residents and interest groups will be among the stakeholders that 4Urban will be engaging with over the coming weeks as part of a programme of consultation prior to submission of the planning application.

The plans, which will be put on display at a public exhibition, involve demolition of the former Co-operative building that dates back to the late 1950s and its replacement with a new building designed to be in sympathy with the predominantly Victorian architecture of the town centre. The Victorian buildings on Albert Street that make up part of the site will be retained.

Beales was one of the founding names of the department-store movement, opening its first store in Bournemouth in 1881. It currently has about 30 stores across the country.