The largest cinema chain in Northern Ireland is to open a new £3m complex in Antrim next year with the creation of up to 60 part-time and full-time jobs.

Omniplex is planning to open the new multiscreen cinema at Junction One retail and leisure park in early summer 2011.

The all-digital cinema complex will have 10 screens with a capacity of 1,300, stadium seating and a food area.

Fit-out work on the 24,000 sq ft entertainment and multipurpose conference centre is due to begin next month.

Shamus Jennings, chairman of Culzean Estates Ltd, owners of Junction One, said that the retail park has expanded significantly to become a 'must visit' destination in Antrim.

Paul Anderson, chairman of Omniplex Holdings NI Ltd said that the development will be the company's 11th centre in Northern Ireland. "At Omniplex Cinemas we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of pioneering new technology and providing our patrons with the most advanced cinema facilities in Europe," he said.

"We believe digital is the future of cinema and it is really exciting."