Leisure complex could create up to 1,000 jobs.(News)

Up to 1,000 jobs could be created as internationally-renowned companies "queue up" to develop a multi-million pound cinema and leisure complex in Redditch.

Redditch Borough Council has officially invited offers this week for the town's Abbey Sports Stadium site and a number of foreign companies have already shown an interest.

Leisure chiefs hope to link up with a major private developer to build a nine-screen cinema, restaurant, redevelop the stadium, incorporate a swimming pool, indoor tennis court and other sports facilities.

Mr Paul Patten, the council's director of leisure, said such a development held "enormous potential" for the area.

"We would hope to create a similar beneficial effect on the local jobs market and bring in a lot of investment into the Worcestershire economy. It is a massive site and we hope will help to put the town on the leisure map, not only within the West Midlan ds, but in the country as a whole."

He said the site was being marketed and a number of developers of "international standing" had shown an interest in the project.

Mr Patten added: "There is an indication that companies are queuing up as they can see the potential in this type of development.

"This will provide developers an opportunity to use their imaginations in coming forward with ideas for the stadium and incorporate our wishes for a swimming pool and indoor tennis arena."

He said new innovative features could also be added to the site, with the possible development of Cybernet cafes which allows customers to surf the Internet.