PLANNING permission has been granted for a £20 million leisure scheme featuring six restaurants, a cinema, and a fitness centre, on the site of the former MG Rover.

The 65,000 sq ft scheme was passed unanimously by Birmingham City Council planners and continues the redevelopment of the land across Cofton Hackett and Longbridge.

Plans include a nine-screen cinema, six restaurants, and a fitness centre, which will overlook the new three-acre Austin Park and adjacent to the Bristol Road.

Development Director at developers St. Modwen Chris Newsome said: “We have worked with local authorities to create a plan for the leisure scheme that best suit the needs of the community at Longbridge and will keep the public informed as these plans progress.”

The scheme is expected to open late 2019.