"It will also smooth the path for the Odeon to re-introduce its weekly independent cinema evenings, with potentially more than one showing each week."
This will provide competition for the Picture House at FACT on nearby Wood Street, which is currently the only cinema in the city centre dedicated to independent film.
At the same time, the Showcase has applied for a licence to operate 24 hours and serve refreshments until 5am at its multiplex on the East Lancs Road.
But the cinema's owners, US firm national Amusements, says the licence would only be used for special events.
The company, which also applied to present plays, dancing and music 24 hours, has no plans to open the cinema round the clock.
A spokeswoman said it made sense to apply for a 24-hour permit so the cinema could be more flexible.
Internationally, the company does have plans to diversify into other forms of entertainment and is encouraging many cinemas to hire themselves out as party venues.
