BREAKTHROUGH works have finally begun at the site for a new cinema in Cirencester, three years after planning consent was first granted.

Wildmoor Property Management Ltd began works to demolish the old Jungle building in Brewery Court last Friday, right on the deadline for works to be started in order for the £48million project to retain planning consent.

If planning consent had expired, Wildmoor would have had to submit a new application to CDC.

The demolition works come after managing director of Wildmoor Mark Booth announced that the plan for a new cinema “is moving forward” during a Cotswold District Council (CDC) meeting last Thursday to decide on minor amendments to the scheme.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Demolition works have started in Brewery Court)

Once groundwork is underway, the project could be completed within 15 months, Mr Booth confirmed.

The proposed development in Brewery Court, approved by CDC in November 2014, was originally planned to be complete in summer this year. It includes a four-screen cinema, six shops, four restaurants and a 110-bed student accommodation.

It is understood that Everyman Media Group has re-committed to the scheme, having backed out of a deal in November last year.

Read Mr Booth's explanation on the late start and what will happen with the project from now onwards.