AGOURA HILLS : Mann Theatres to Be Part of New Project

The developer of a proposed Agoura Hills commercial center has signed a 30-year lease with Mann Theatres for the cinema chain to build and operate an eight-screen theater complex, according to the developer and city officials.

If approved by the city Planning Commission, the theater would be part of Creekside Terrace, a large commercial center with more than 150,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and offices at Agoura and Kanan roads.

The long-term lease greatly enhances the chances of success for the entire project because acquisition of a reputable anchor tenant will encourage other businesses to locate there, say representatives of the developer, Whizin Enterprises.

Under the lease, Mann Theatres will pay to build and operate the theater and pay rent to the developer, which will maintain ownership of the property.

Agoura Hills Community Development Director David Anderson said the city is conducting an environmental review of the project. The Planning Commission may vote on the project as early as the spring.

Mann Theatres, which already operates an eight-screen cineplex on Agoura Road, believes that the area needs another theater because parking at the existing theater is a problem, Anderson said. A walkway will eventually be built between the two facilities as part of a plan to develop the entire area into an entertainment corridor next to the freeway, he said.