Hayward is the latest East Bay city to get a Century Theatres complex. Officials of San Rafael-based Century said Tuesday they plan to build a 12-screen theater complex at Cinema Place, at B Street and Foothill Boulevard in downtown Hayward.

The development will also feature an 18,200-square-foot Cost Plus World Market store, and a number of smaller retail shops and restaurants. City officials hope the development will help revitalize the aging commercial core.

"We've been very successful in all of our downtown projects, including recent projects in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and San Mateo and long looked forward to an opportunity to bring our brand of movie-going experience to the Hayward market..." said Raymond W. Syufy, CEO of Century Theatres. Jesus Armas, Hayward's city manager, said the city is excited about the project's potential to improve downtown.

"They have a great track record, run excellent facilities and we feel they will be wildly successful in Hayward," Armas said.

The interstate 880 corridor is considered lucrative territory for fast-growing Century, which also operates cineplexes in Milpitas, Fremont, Union City and San Leandro. A 20-screen complex is also planned for NewPark Mall in Newark.