East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire is to see a £400m development which could bring more than 5,000 jobs to the area, as well as create new leisure facilities.

A new museum, theatre and arts centre are planned, plus a “restaurant hub” to be built around the existing ice rink.

The announcement follows more than a year of talks between South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Retail Property Limited Partnership (SRPLP).

John Wilson, portfolio manager of the SRPLP, said: “East Kilbride is Scotland’s premier commercial leisure destination and we believe the redevelopment will continue to enhance the vitality of the town for years to come.”

According to South Lanarkshire Council, the first stage of the project could start later this year, with the completion of major elements by 2012/13.

Eddie McAvoy, leader of the council, said: “This development will effectively take East Kilbride from new town to boom town.”