CONSTRUCTION work on a long-awaited cinema and leisure complex is set to begin next summer, Colchester Council has revealed.

Turnstone Estates received permission for its Northern Gateway Leisure Development, on land off the A12 near Colchester United’s Jobserve Community Stadium, in 2016.

It was set to feature up to a dozen restaurants, a hotel, leisure facilities and a 12-screen Cineworld Cinema.

But the proposals were delayed due to a downturn in the restaurant market.

However, next week Colchester Council’s cabinet is being asked to approve amendments to the make up of the £50 million scheme, including a reduction in the number of eateries and changes to the way it is being funded, so plans can move forward.

If the changes are approved, a new planning application will be submitted and work could begin in June 2021 for completion in 2023.

The council says the development represents upwards of £50 million investment in Colchester.

Council leader Mark Cory said it was exciting news for Colchester.

“I have been working on this since the beginning so it is good to see it getting closer to becoming reality,” he said.

“The economic climate has changed over time and it has been tough to make it work, but the project has a great developer on board in Turnstone.

“They have signed up their leisure tenants and some restaurant providers, so it is getting closer and closer to coming to fruition.

“It is an investment in the town and will bring new facilities for the area but also income for the council.

“It will make there a much better offering up there with the football stadium and the nearby Northern Gateway Sports Park.”

The latest version of the scheme will have less restaurants and introduce other uses for which demand has emerged.

The restaurant units have also been reduced in size, but the hotel will now be a slightly larger 83-bed facility.

Big brands, such as Cineworld, Travelodge, Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars are still said to be signed up to the scheme, which is expected to create around 700 new jobs.

Colchester Council will retain the freehold of the land and will be paid rent as a return on its investment.