THE owners of Southampton’s newest cinema have applied to licensing chiefs for their opening hours.

National Amusements have filed an application with the city council over the Showcase Cinema de Lux that will be part of the £80million Watermark WestQuay complex.

Work on the site next to the WestQuay Shopping Centre is currently ongoing, and when it opens late next year it will boast restaurants, bars and a new public plaza.

Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain Jamie’s, Nando’s, Five Guys, Wahaca, Zizzi and Bill’s Restaurant will all line up in the new complex, which is expected to create 1,300 jobs.

The cinema, which is the first of its kind in the south, will feature ten screens, 3D screens and the latest in digital surround sound, and create 150 new jobs.

In their bid National Amusements have applied for 24-hour rights to show films and play music, as well as providing late night refreshment between 11pm and 5am and the sale of alcohol between 10am and 3am.

Licensing chiefs are due to make a decision by August 5.