A new theatre is at the centre of the plans

The �31.5m development will provide a replacement for the Haymarket Theatre and is the flagship building in the St. George's Cultural Quarter.

The plans include a 750 seat main auditorium and a smaller venue, as well as bars, a cafe, and rehearsal and production areas.

The site is at the Rutland Street and Halford Street car park.

Construction date

There had been fears the cultural quarter would be a victim of council budget cuts but the project now looks to have sufficient backing.

Mike Candler, project manager for the city's Cultural Quarter, said planning consent would allow construction to start in the autumn.

The city council's development control committee meets on Tuesday evening and is being recommended to approve the plans.