PICTURES: Thetford’s Riverside project moving onwards and upwards

These are the first photos of a big step forward for the multi-million pound Riverside development in Thetford.

The pictures, taken by developer Breckland Bridge during a site inspection, show construction has started on the first floor level of the site’s buildings.

The joint venture between Breckland Council and The Land Group will include a Travelodge, The Light Cinema and restaurants, with the developers saying it is ‘firmly on course’ to be completed by autumn next year.

Cllr Michael Wassell, leader of Breckland Council, said: “Work at Thetford Riverside is progressing well and I’m delighted that the complex is really starting to take shape.

“When it is finished next year the site will bring real benefits to both the town and Breckland as a whole, offering good leisure opportunities for residents and visitors, generating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

District and town councillor Terry Jermy, who represents Thetford Burrell ward, said: “It is very positive news for Thetford. We have been wanting a cinema and a restaurant complex for quite some time so it is very encouraging to see it actually happening.

“So often you hear of and talk about projects and think, ‘Will this actually happen?’, but we can see this being built in front of our eyes.”

For those who wish to see the development’s progress for themselves, footage from a time lapse camera near the site is available to view on the Breckland Council website.