A restaurant and leisure complex will transform the centre of Braintree as plans for development on the town's bus park are completely redrawn.

Henry Boot Developments and Braintree Council exchanged contracts on the project for the bus park, in Victoria Street, two years ago.

But original proposals for a 32,000 sq ft shopping centre and hotel have been shelved in favour of a development featuring restaurants, a gym, a GP surgery and a town square.

Lady Patricia Newton, cabinet member for planning and property, said: “The original ambition of taking on a development partner was to breathe new life into this area of the town centre and this is still very much the aim."

Full story, pictures and reaction in today's Braintree and Witham Times