Construction of the £40 million Drake Circus Leisure scheme in Plymouth has moved closer with British Land involvement this week, paving the way for work to go-ahead.

The leisure development is expected to create 350 permanent jobs along with a number of temporary construction jobs.

As part of its development agreement with the Plymouth City Council, British Land will commit £2m to the construction of the city’s new coach station on Mayflower Street.

Plans consent was granted earlier this year for a 100,000 sq ft mixed scheme located on the site, next to Drake Circus Shopping Centre.

Last month, British Land exchanged contracts with Cineworld to anchor the development with the new 12-screen cinema featuring a 450-seat IMAX auditoria.

Construction work is expected to start in summer 2016 and the scheme is due to open mid-2018.

David Pollock, retail development director for British Land, said: “Once complete, Drake Circus Leisure will be the most significant leisure scheme in the South West and we are delighted to be one step closer to delivering the project.

“The recent letting to Cineworld and interest from restaurant operators has allowed us to accelerate our plans, and we are excited to be working with the Council to enhance the city centre.”