Foundations have been laid and construction work has begun on a brand new cinema in St Austell, as part of the £75 million town centre regeneration scheme.

Last month the former cinema building was raised to the ground by Gilpin, the South West of England Regional Regional Development Agency’s (RDA) demolition contractor and development onsite has been continuing at a pace.

The new state-of-the-art four screen cinema will be built on the north side of Aylmer Square and is expected to be completed towards the end of next year.

Once finished, the building will be handed back to the cinema owners WTW Cinemas to work on the interior.

£31.5 million has been invested by the RDA in the regeneration scheme in St Austell. The developers David McLean Developments provided the remainder of the funding.

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Ian Whale, Cornwall Regeneration Manager for the South West RDA said: "In 2008, St Austell will have a brand new cinema which will mark the completion of the first stage of this exciting project to regenerate the town centre. Up to 200 people will be employed during the construction phase and the RDA will ensure that local materials and labour are used wherever possible. At the moment the foundations are being completed and the construction of a wall for the main car park is now underway."

Sir Robert McAlpine is the main contractor for the scheme. Bryan Trethewey, project manager for Sir Robert McAlpine Construction, said: "White River Place is starting to make shape and the start on the new cinema is a positive step forward for St Austell. The development will benefit the town hugely and has been planned to incorporate facilities for both business and leisure."

A number of retailers have already committed to the new retail development including Starbucks coffee house, fashion retailers New Look and Peacocks, high street bank HBOS and home and garden giant Wilkinsons.

The whole scheme will be completed in 2009 and will include new shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, a 550-space underground car park, and 70 apartments - 30% of which will be made available as affordable housing for local people.

(JM)