PLANS to create a multiplex cinema and leisure development in Sunderland city centre took a step forward yesterday.

A date has now been set to begin work on the 12-screen cinema, Gala casino, restaurants and bar in the Sunniside area of the city, following the signing of an agreement between Sunderland City Council and developers Helios.

The facility will also include a 675-space multi-storey car park. Work is expected to start in early July and should be completed within the year.

Council leader Bob Symonds said: "This is a flagship development bringing together the leisure and entertainment ambitions of the city and its arrival has been greatly anticipated by people throughout Sunderland.

"We hope that the end result will not only be a source of pride on Wearside, but will have the spin-off of heralding a major revival of the Sunniside area of the city centre."

The £15m Lambton Street complex has been on the drawing board since 1999, along with the redevelopment of the former Vaux brewery site.

The Tesco store chain has already begun clearing the former brewery area in order to make way for its new supermarket.