Construction has begun on a new gym and superstore at a site just south of Gloucester which will create 60 jobs.

Developer Robert Hitchins Ltd is behind the plans to bring Pure Gym and a B&M Home Store with Garden Centre to the three-acre brownfield site in Newhaven Road, Kingsway.

Construction has begun on a new 47,000 sq ft retail and leisure scheme at Kingsway in Gloucester, which will include 205 parking spaces.

Michael Plimmer, Senior development manager for Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: "This development will not only regenerate a derelict site, which has been empty for more than a decade, it is also bringing more retail and leisure facilities to local people, creating 60 local jobs and economic investment from successful companies who are offering long-term commitment to the area."

Present at the turf cutting, along with Michael Plimmer, were ward councillor for Kingsway Cllr Richard Cook (the new leader of Gloucester City Council), managing director of Barnwood Construction, Ben Ramsay, and property and development director for Robert Hitchins Ltd, Simon Tothill.

Pure Gym is backed by cycling supremo Sir Chris Hoy and has almost 1 million members at 192 premises nationwide.

B&M, formed in 1978, is one of the leading variety retailers in the UK. It employs more than 28,000 staff in 560 stores all over the UK.

Councillors agreed to grant planning permission for the development in June. Construction should be complete by September 2020.

Kingsway has emerged on the site of the former 340-acre RAF Quedgeley. The original masterplan included 3,300 homes, a 40-acre employment site, community and leisure facilities, retail, sports area and primary school.

Robert Hitchins is based at Boddington, Gloucestershire, is one of the leading property developers and investors in the South West and South Wales.