Work has started on site at the new Waterfront leisure scheme in Walsall this week that will create 230 jobs and help the local economy.

Developer Kier Property has appointed contractor GF Tomlinson for the project, which includes a new eight-screen cinema for ‘The Light’ and four new restaurants operated by Chiquito, Pizza Express, Bella Italia and Hungry Horse.

Only one unit remains as part of phase one, which will provide around 5,000sq ft of retail and leisure space, while four units are available in phase two, which will provide a further 14,000sq ft.

The £65 million Waterfront development has been a resounding success so far, regenerating over 17 acres in Walsall.

Oliver Butler, project manager for Kier Property, said: “We are delighted to confirm we are about to start work on site. This is fantastic news, following many weeks of working in partnership with GF Tomlinson. It’s great to finally get started and we look forward to watching the scheme progress through to completion in the autumn/winter of 2015.”

Paul Fish, director of GF Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be selected to build this new number one leisure destination in Walsall. We plan to engage as much as possible with the local community to ensure we recruit in the vicinity to help follow the ethos of the entire scheme.”

Cllr Mohammad Nazir, Walsall Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing work start on site and very much welcome the investment and job creation that it will bring.”