Midas Construction are busy transforming parts of the former cinema site off St Ann Way, Gloucester into new retail units and a flagship next store.

The steel structure has been erected on the site opposite the Quays Outlet Centre. Housing the new store, it will cover 28,000 square feet with two mezzanine floors and balcony overlooking the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

The state-of-the-art retail store will be clad in stone and glass with an atrium and 100 jobs will be created.

A spokesperson for Next said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring a new, exciting format store to Gloucester to keep people here, rather than travelling to Cheltenham and Bristol."

The former Cineworld cinema, which closed back in 2007, is due to undergo refurbishment and will form a range of new retail units along the western side of Gloucester Retail Park, better known as the Peel Centre.

Mark Whittaker, group property director at Peel Land and Property, who own and manage Peel Retail Parks, said: "We're pleased to confirm work has started on this exciting new project for Gloucester Retail Park, which is Next's very latest design and will be a significantly high-profile building for the city, attracting more shoppers to Gloucester

"With this building work now underway, we look forward to moving forward with the transformation of this site, with phase two including the refurbishment of remaining units, including the former cinema.

"Next is going to bring the 'wow factor' to the retail park, ultimately helping to widen the appeal of the city attracting more people to Gloucester."

The development forms part of a larger £14 million scheme by landowners Peel Group who are continuing to invest in the city's regeneration.

The project marks the start of the modernisation of the site, which is beginning to look dated. It is due for completion later this Autumn, with the store opening in Spring 2019.

When open, it will replace the existing Next store in Quedgeley and all staff will be relocated to the new site.