A new £3.5m cinema complex, the first to be built in Cornwall for more than 70 years, is to officially open on 19 December as part of the £75m regeneration of St Austell town centre.

The 11,500sq ft (1,068.4sq m) White River Cinema, which was designed by Chetwood and NBDA, has four screens and can hold more than 650 people. Built by Sir Robert McAlpine, White River Cinema is also part of a three-year development plan by owners WTW Cinemas, which includes obtaining planning consent for a new four-screen site in Newquay and the refurbishment of its existing Plaza cinema in Truro.

David Williams, managing director of WTW Cinemas, said: "There has been much anticipation ahead of this moment, and everyone involved in this huge project is very excited that the town will have a modern and comfortable venue." WTW Cinemas, one of the longest established independent cinema companies in the UK, also operates sites in Wadebridge and Padstow.