FILM-buffs will be watching blockbusters at Basildon’s new Empire cinema this summer, bosses have promised as doubts swirl over the date of the long-delayed opening.

The East Square 10-screen cinema, part of a £25 million complex to regenerate the town centre, was initially slated to open in February.

Following a series of setbacks, the council has now set a summer opening - but has refused to specify a date.

The complex also features six restaurant units.

Orletto Lounge occupies the only open unit, but council chiefs insist two more names are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

“I am 100 per cent confident we will be watching summer blockbusters in the cinema,” Craig Rimmer, Basildon Council's regeneration boss, said.

“As for the restaurants, there will be good news imminently.

"In the next few weeks we will have some announcements.

“There are businesses that are definitely going to come in, and they are getting ready to announce the news and sign those contracts.”

He added: “The Empire Cinema itself is ready to go as a facility, so it is just a matter of when Empire is ready to open, whether that be finishing furnishing or hiring staff.”

The council handed over the keys to the cinema complex to Empire in October last year.

Independent councillor Kerry Smith has raised questions over the remaining three empty restaurant units.

“This cinema is supposed to be a catalyst for change in the town centre, but we are months behind schedule with no end in sight it seems,” he said.

“It’s all well and good taking pictures in safety helmets, but they need to get those restaurants filled, and fast.”

The project is the council’s flagship scheme to breathe life into Baisldon town centre, and one that will be further boosted by Wetherspoon’s relocating to opposite the cinema.

The Moon on the Square, on Market Square, will be bulldozed in September with pub giant bosses confirming a move to the site of the former Poundworld shop.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Interior construction at Empire Cinema is well underway and we have agreed provisional terms with tenants for units 1 and 6 of the development.

“Positive and active negotiations are well underway for all other units and we look forward to sharing more announcements very soon.”