Northern Ireland-based developer, the Benmore Group, has been given the green light for a £50m leisure-led mixed-use development in the Speke/Garston district of Liverpool.

Liverpool City Council approved planning permission for the scheme, which incorporates a multiplex cinema; commercial units featuring restaurants and bars; and a 78-bedroom hotel.

Outline permission has also been secured for two additional hotels - 120 and 78 bedrooms respectively - and a pub/restaurant as part of the Falconer Chester Hall-designed scheme.

Benmore Group chief executive David Burrows said: "We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure this project is delivered on time and on budget.

"The scheme will transform a key gateway into the city and represents, in the current climate, one of the city's most significant regeneration projects for the next decade."

Work is expected to commence later this year, with completion scheduled for late 2013.