A MULTI-million pound leisure complex and hotel development creating around 180 jobs could be built in Worcestershire.

The scheme would include a state-of-the-art David Lloyd Leisure Health and Fitness Club with outdoor tennis facilities, a family pub and restaurant, and a 78-bed Travel Inn at Bromsgrove.

But first, it needs planning permission from Bromsgrove District Council.

The proposal would include a new access point from the A38 into North East Worcestershire (NEW) College as well as new college parking.

The development by Whitbread has the full backing of Sport England, as it will provide a whole range of sporting facilities for the community.

Subject to planning approval in November, the company hopes work on the new access and car park will begin in January 2001.

The Brewsters pub and Travel Inn would follow with the David Lloyd complex due by March 2002.

Ron Dent, Chamber of Commerce area manager for North Worcestershire, said it particularly welcomed the move by Whitbread plc to create almost 200 new jobs in Bromsgrove.

"Improvements to the traffic flow in the vicinity and improved access to the A38 will be an added bonus," he said.

"We look forward to the range of leisure facilities that this development will bring to the town."

A spokeswoman from Bromsgrove District Council confirmed the application had been received.

"It will be fully considered before it goes to committee," she said.

Jeremy Probert, of Whitbread, said the company decided on the Bromsgrove site after spending time searching for the right spot.

"We have many different brands that we wish to see in as many areas as possible," he said.

"Any old land won't do and we have experts continuously hunting for sites like the one in Bromsgrove."

"It is ideal for the three potential businesses and we are pleased to find it."