BUILDING work on a multi-million pound cinema and leisure development that will create hundreds of jobs for Darlington has officially started.

Diggers rolled on to the Feethams Leisure site today, to begin work on the highly-anticipated complex, which will feature a Vue Cinema, a Premier Inn hotel and number of high-profile restaurants.

The Northern Echo:

An artist's impression of the proposed development

It is hoped the £30m project will give Darlington town centre an economic boost by creating about 500 jobs and adding to its night-time economy.

Work to tear up the former car park on the Feethams site has already started and steelwork is expected to begin in three months time.

The ground underneath the car park has large areas of contamination left as a legacy from the former bus station, which must be removed before construction can begin.

Representatives from the businesses involved with the project, owned and designed by Stockton-based Terrace Hill, said they were pleased to see building work begin and spoke about the dozens of jobs that will be created.

Kevin Murray, senior acquisition manager for Whitbread, which will operate the Premier Inn, said: “We’ve had a hotel on the outskirts of town for some time but we’ve always wanted to be in the centre, especially in a scheme like this.

“We would expect a hotel of this size to create in the region of 35 or 40 jobs – at least half of those jobs will be targeted especially for young, long-term unemployed people.

“From about April or May we will be working with local employment bodies to get those roles filled.”

Janice Craig, regional manager for Vue Cinemas, said the November 2015 opening date was perfectly timed for the traditionally busy Christmas period.

She added: “Vue is delighted to be part of this development and it will bring a a much-needed multiplex cinema to Darlington.

“We also expect to create about 50 jobs for local people.”

The start of building work was welcomed by Ian Williams, director for economic growth at Darlington Borough Council, who said: “In terms of economic benefits, this development is incredibly significant for Darlington. Not only will it create more than 500 jobs, it builds on the existing attraction of the town centre.

“The town is undergoing some major transformation and investment with the rapid development of Central Park, as well as the Department for Education offices.

“When you take all this into account, there is the potential for a massive increase in footfall providing a fantastic opportunity for town centre traders.”