The launch of a huge new £70m leisure park in north Essex has been put back - because of construction delays.

Developer Turnstone Estates said the big opening of the Northern Gateway leisure park on the outskirts of Colchester has been put back until early summer next year as a result of works falling behind.

However, big flagship elements will be open before that. A drive-thru Wendy's restaurant is already open for trading, and a Greggs bakery and Fastned EV charging station are expected to open shortly. A 90-bed Travelodge should be open by Christmas.

The mega scheme - consisting of 160,000sq ft of a cinema, hotel, restaurants -  promises to "redefine leisure experiences" in the area, say the developers.

But Turnstone said delays incurred during construction led to a later than anticipated overall completion. The knock-on effect has been that the building programme has become “out of sync” in giving tenants access for fit-out.

The overall effect is occupiers are unable to meet their original fit-out and opening schedules.

The park - when finished - will feature a new 12-screen Cineworld multiplex with a Starbucks concession, a 20-lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, Puttstars adventure golf centre and a wide variety of restaurants including Slim Chickens, El Guaca, Kaspa’s, Joyato Sushi & Grill, Slim Chickens and Taste of Italy.

Despite the setbacks in the delivery and completion of the final elements, the wait would be worth it, said Turnstone Estates managing director Chris Goldsmith.

“Northern Gateway Leisure Park is the largest and most complex development of its kind in the UK at present," he said.

"Building a total of 160,000 sq ft of a cinema, hotel, restaurants, and associated uses from the ground up involves a highly coordinated build programme where the slightest delay can have serious knock-on effects.

"Unfortunately, that has been the case, but I know the further wait will be well worth it.”

Colchester City Council deputy leader Mark Cory said: “From the beginning, we envisioned the development of Northern Gateway to have a phased approach, which has come to fruition with the recent opening of Wendy's drive-through restaurant and now continues with the upcoming launch of Greggs within the next few weeks.

"I eagerly anticipate the next steps in the development, with the opening of various restaurants early next year and the highly anticipated launch of Cineworld in early summer.

"These developments are not only enhancing our community's options for entertainment and dining but are also creating numerous job opportunities, with Colchester Northern Gateway set to generate numerous jobs for our local population.

"I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of Colchester Northern Gateway, as it brings prosperity and enjoyment to our wonderful city.”