Ground work has started on the former Bowyers site in Trowbridge in preparation for a new £46m leisure park being built.

This morning, contractors were seen removing dead trees and bushes at the site, known as Innox Riverside, which will home an eight-screen Cineworld, a Morrisons store, six restaurants and a pub when it is complete.

Developer Prorsus said that an asbestos survey still needs to be carried out before the former factory’s buildings are knocked down, with hoardings expected to go up later this week.

Wiltshire Council rejected Prorsus’ plans for the Bowyers site in 2012 with the developer appealing against the decision.

In January, following a three-day hearing, the Planning Inspectorate approved the scheme.

Prorsus has not yet revealed the date Innox Riverside is expected to open.