EAGERLY-awaited plans for a new £50 million cinema and leisure complex in Colchester have been unanimously backed by councillors.

Turnstone Estate's development at Northern Gateway, south of junction 28 of the A12, will feature a 12-screen cinema, set to be run by Cineworld, as well as seven restaurants and a 90-bed hotel, run by Travelodge.

It will also include two drive-thru eateries, a bowling alley, an indoor golf centre and a climbing facility as well as a landscaped piazza and a car park with 750 spaces and associated electric vehicle charging points.

Plans have been in development since 2015, with Brexit and changes to the leisure market causing delays, however the latest iteration of the proposals were approved by Colchester Council's planning committee at a meeting on Thursday.

Chris Goldsmith, managing director of Turnstone Estates, said: "Despite the current uncertainty around the leisure sector, we have been buoyed by the continued level of occupational demand for Northern Gateway.

"Our revised plans will help to deliver an exciting, state-of-the-art leisure development for Colchester in a post-Covid environment.”

The Turnstone scheme forms part of the wider Northern Gateway development which will see the £29 million state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Sports Park open around Easter.

Colchester Council is also working on plans to build 350 new homes, healthcare facilities, a care home and business units on the old home of Colchester Rugby Club, off Mill Road, who are moving to a new building at the sports park.

The whole development will be powered by a first-of-its-kind low carbon network using energy from the ground to power and heat buildings, whilst new superfast broadband infrastructure is being installed.

David King, councillor responsible for business and resources, said: "This is a real positive milestone for the new leisure development.

"Progress to transform the Northern Gateway into a hub for improved wellbeing, physical activity, jobs, housing and renewable energy will is a key part of our commitment to boosting our economy and helping our borough recover following the impact of Covid-19.”

Find out more about the plans for the Northern Gateway by visiting www.northerngatewaycolchester.co.uk.