DETAILED plans have been submitted for a multi-million pound leisure scheme in a North-East town centre.

Property developer Terrace Hill has plans for a nine-screen Vue cinema and 80-bedroom Premier Inn as part of the Feethams Leisure scheme in Darlington.

The development, located on the site of a former bus depot, will also include outlets of national restaurant chains Nando’s and Prezzo, Terrace Hill has revealed.

Terrace Hill said it is also in ‘advanced discussions’ with other well-known leisure brands it says are looking to establish a presence in the town.

A planning application has been submitted and the developer hopes to begin work early next year, with an anticipated opening date of summer 2015.

Terrace Hill said the development would create more than 500 jobs on top of those created during construction.

Duncan McEwan, Terrace Hill’s head of retail and leisure development, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation so far and would encourage the public to continue voicing their views throughout Darlington Borough Council’s consultation process for the scheme.”

Terrace Hill said it had taken into account views expressed during the consultation, including modifying elements of the design.

Mr McEwan added: “The council's proposals for the [nearby] Department for Education building have necessitated revisals to the access arrangements.

“Should the application be approved, Feethams Leisure will provide Darlington with a first-class leisure offer that will help to attract out-of-town visitors.

“By establishing a prime leisure destination in the heart of Darlington, we are confident we can bring economic benefits to local people and have a significant effect on Darlington for many years to come.”