Proposals for a new multi-screen cinema and leisure complex in Rugby will move a step closer this week when the developer presents its final plans to the Borough Council.

The former GEC site on Leicester Road has also been earmarked for car showrooms and a shopping complex, and has been granted outlined planning permission.

Developers Wilson Bowden, who purchased the 21 acre site for over £20 million, are now ready to present exact details of the project which they hope to commence at the turn of the year.

Wilson Bowden development director Simon Russian has said that although he cannot release the specifics of the project until they have been put before the council, it will be very exciting.

He said:

"People have been talking about this development being delayed and different things, but in truth that is not the case.

"We have got to build a bridge over the river which runs alongside the site as that will be the only access for visitors to the complex.

"That will take some time but it will not delay the opening as some people have suggested because the cinema itself has a six month fit-out time for all the internal work - which was always the case.

"There will be 60,000 sq ft of retail warehouse on the proposed development as well as the car showroom and the cinema so it would be a thriving place."

However, Russian would not give a date when he expected the complex to open although he did hint that it could be around nine months from when work begins.

A Rugby Borough Council spokesman confirmed that Leicester-based Wilson Bowden did have outline planning consent for the site, but had not submitted any firm proposals.