A MULTI-million pound project to rebuild the Center Parcs holiday complex ravaged by fire has begun with work being started off by snooker ace Steve Davis.

A MULTI-million pound project to rebuild the Center Parcs holiday complex ravaged by fire has begun with work being started off by snooker ace Steve Davis.

The championship snooker player was also a regular Center Parcs guest and he travelled to Elveden Forest, near Thetford, to launch the huge redevelopment bosses hope will be complete by next June.

And officials have promised that the new scheme, which covers 28,000 square metres of land, will be 'even better' than the original Plaza and restaurant area devastated during April's massive blaze.

"It is 19 weeks since the tragic fire took place – it has passed by so quickly, and we have achieved so much," said Martin Dalby, managing director of Center Parcs' UK operation.

"We are commencing the rebuild in Elveden Forest, and I think for all the staff and guests, this is a real turning point.

"It is a signal that Elveden once again will be in business, providing jobs and a truly fantastic holiday experience.

"I believe when the guests return, they will find something even better than they did before."

Building work, which should be complete in time to welcome holiday-makers back next summer, is estimated to cost between £35 and £40 million.

It will include a new sports café, Indian restaurant and extended bowling alley, along with state-of-the-art health and beauty facilities and 50 new villas.

"It was a very sad moment when the fire appeared on the news," said Mr Davis, who buried a time capsule containing holiday brochures and press cuttings at the site.

"There will have been lots of very sad people who have had great holidays here from around the country.

"From a disaster of massive proportions for all the guests and staff, I am sure Center Parcs will become a bigger and better place."