AMBITIOUS development proposals for Torquay town centre, revealed for the first time today to be costing £20million, could include one of the first fully digital cinemas in the country.

New Riviera Estates, developers of the hotel, flats, shops and restaurants complex planned for Torwood Street, have announced an agreement for The Light cinema company to provide a six-screen, 900-seat fully digital, purpose-built 3D cinema.

The Light already operates cinemas in Europe and is planning to open its first UK operations at premises in Cambridgeshire, New Brighton and Merseyside, and possibly Torquay.

John Sullivan, co-founder of The Light, said: "Our cinemas provide the ultimate leisure experience, never seen before in the South West.

"We're really thrilled about launching world-class digital cinema in Torquay, the heart of the English Riviera.

"There is a huge appetite for film these days. By adding a spectacular cinema experience based on comfort, style and a great café bar, we expect to have massive appeal across all budgets, ages and interests."

The cinema would offer a state-of-the-art experience at affordable prices for families and retirees.

Audiences will be able to enjoy the latest blockbusters in superb clarity because digital projection is always 100 per cent clear.

The cinema also boasts the technology to screen opera live from New York and theatre live from London.

The Torquay Light Cinema would also deliver live opera; film festivals showing low budget, art house and student films; and live sporting events, some of which would be free.

It will have a stylish foyer and contemporary café bar to ensure the venue is an exciting addition to the area's visitor attractions.

Peter Tisdale, one of the directors of New Riviera Estates, said: "We are extremely fortunate to have attracted Light Cinemas to Torquay because of the flexibility offered and because this state-of-the-art cinema would help in attracting other quality operators to the immediate area.

"The venue will also be suitable for private screenings, business meetings, presentations and launches.

"Such events could be held at various times and would help to ensure the surroundings are active throughout the day not just in the evening."

Last week Ramada hotels announced it would be the operator of the 80-bedroom hotel, which is part of the development on the site of numbers four to 24 Torwood Street.