PLANS to transform the empty Anchor Garage in Liphook’s Square into a 60-seater cinema have been submitted to East Hampshire District Council.

The former car showroom and workshop has been standing empty since October 2015, following sudden closure, after long-time owner Barry Haines sold the business 18 months earlier.

Plans also include two new town houses and the construction of a new frontage building to accommodate the cinema foyer as well as a restaurant.

The two-storey showroom includes two adjacent flats and a single-storey workshop building, combining a variety of architectural styles.

The site, which is located in the conservation area, has previously included industrial and residential uses.

There is currently no external lighting on the building, and proposals include a 1930s style canopy, which would have a minimal effect on first floor flats and the surrounding area.

The proposal “seeks to establish a new ‘hub’ through an entertainment complex, as it is described in the design statement, where the cinema and its foyer cafe will become the new meeting places and give the site a welcome ‘social activity.’

It aims to deliver “a vibrant mixed-use development, providing cinematic, commercial, social and residential facilities in high quality buildings”, the statement said.

The two proposed detached, three-bedroom town houses are inspired by historic coaching house models, arranged around small courtyard gardens.

There are no parking facilities for the public included in the proposed plans, but seven new parking spaces are proposed for townhouse residents.

Members of the public will have to use the Midhurst Road or the small Haslemere Road car park or park further afield in the London Road lay-by.

Parish councillors will discuss the application on Monday, September 10.