A STATE-of-the-art new agricultural centre is to replace Gloucester's 40-year-old cattle market which has been under threat of closure.

The new multi-million pound centre, backed by major banks and agricultural suppliers, is set to be built on a 15-acre site on the northern outskirts of the city alongside the A40 and five minutes from the M5.

Subject to detailed planning permission, work will start next year on a project acclaimed by the NFU as a huge vote of confidence in the future of the livestock industry in the West. The city council, which is to redevelop the present market to provide a hotel, casino, shop business units and some houses, has agreed the site in principle and to make a substantial contribution to the cost of the roads.

The project has been dubbed the Gloucestershire Agricultural Centre as it will comprise not only a livestock market, but extensive agricultural retail units, provision for stalls and farmer's produce markets, furniture and machinery auctions, as well as conference, community and sporting facilities.

Chris Turney, of Hamiltons chartered surveyors, says they have submitted a comprehensive planning application and have been working alongside Gloucestershire NFU leaders Henry Boughton and Martin Baber to make sure Gloucester retains a livestock market.

Mr Baber said: "We see this as a regional agricultural centre which will become a focus for a full range of agricultural services for Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties."