West Wiltshire District Council has awarded planning permission for the first phase of the Waterside development in Trowbridge.

The £90m mixed-use scheme, which is being developed by Macnhester-based Modus Properties, will include an eight-screen multiplex cinema operated by Vue, a 20-lane bowling and entertainment centre managed by Bowlplex and a range of restaurants, bars and family leisure facilities.

The development will also boast a hotel and 240 high quality residential apartments.

Modus aim to start work on site imminently with the leisure facilities ready for opening late 2010.

The Waterside project is part of the Transforming Trowbridge scheme, which aims to completely regenerate the town in four phases.

The plans include the integration of bus, coach and rail transport; the development of heritage, cultural and civic facilities; and the delivery of high quality public parks and open spaces.

The scheme also aims to increase the housing provision in the town by 250 new dwellings per year for the next 20 years.

The Transforming Trowbridge steering group is made up of representatives from West Wiltshire District Council, Wiltshire County Council, Trowbridge Town Council, Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, the South West Regional Development Agency and other key partners.