MORE than 500 local jobs could be created if a £35 million leisure and retail development at the Kingsway site in Lancaster is given the go-ahead.

Developers Chelverton Properties have unveiled ambitious plans to completely renovate and revitalise the northern approach to the city.

The proposals include an 80 bedroom hotel, a multiplex cinema, a 22-lane bowling alley, a fitness centre, a nightclub, five restaurants, a family pub and 12 units.

Chelverton Properties claim the development would include the sensitive restoration of the listed Kingsway baths and bus depot and will also include major improvements to the surrounding road network.

Eifion Phillips of Chelverton said: "This is a major opportunity to transform the northern entrance to Lancaster. The comprehensive development of the whole site will allow the architecture to reflect the historic heritage of the city by restoring and incorporating the listed buildings and giving them the prominence they deserve. I believe this development will transform Lancaster to the wider catchment of the region."

This latest development comes on the back of considerable outside investment, particularly pubs and nightclubs, and the Chelverton plan is largely leisure based.

Eifion Phillips added: "The Kingsway site is adjacent to the main avenue of entry from the north and gives a poor impression of the city. It has long been in need of regeneration but progress has been hampered by difficult site conditions and constraints, the most important of which are the existence of valuable listed buildings. We look forward to working with the city council to create an exciting and viable scheme worthy of the city's proud history."

President of Lancaster & District Chamber of Trade, Mr Barry Scoffin, said: "It's too early in the day to pass any comment and there are still many questions that need to be answered but, at the end of the day, it could mean £35 million worth of investment coming into the city."

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