A cinema operator and hotelier have at last signed important contracts for a proposed leisure complex at St Stephen’s Place in Trowbridge.

Fears that the plans for a cinema, hotel and restaurants on the former Tesco site would come to nothing were allayed on Wednesday when cinema operator Odeon and hotelier Premier Inn exchanged contracts with landowner Legal and General Property.

It comes as workers started carrying out pre-construction investigation work on the derelict brownfield site, known locally as Mount Crushmore because of the masses of rubble left behind when work there was abandoned.

Building contractors are also due to be appointed by the end of May and work will begin in June.

Scheduled to open in October 2013, the development should include a seven-screen multiplex cinema, a range of family restaurants and an 80-bed hotel.

Tim Russell, senior asset manager at Legal and General Property, said: “The support we have received from the people of Trowbridge has been overwhelming and we are delighted to now be in a position where we can deliver this leisure regeneration of the town centre.

“In addition to having now finalised the arrangements for the cinema and hotel, I can confirm there has been a strong level of interest from companies who wish to run the restaurant.

“With the signing of contracts we can finally start work on the site, which has been a blot on the landscape of Trowbridge for over 18 years. We hope our leisure development will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in this part of the town centre.”

Ken Taylor, property director for Odeon, said: “We are fully committed to this dynamic, well designed scheme and are delighted that with pre-let contracts in place, work can start on site immediately. This will allow us to be open and trading next year, ending years of frustration for the people of Trowbridge.”

Odeon hope to move in during April 2013 to start fitting its cinema out, followed by Premier Inn and restaurant operators in August.

Richard Pearson, acquisition manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, owner of Premier Inn, said: “St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park is another outstanding location for us and we’re pleased to be investing in Trowbridge. Work is due to start immediately.”

The proposals can be seen at www.trowbridgecinema.co.uk and on Twitter @StStephens Place.