THE keys to St Austell's new multi-screen cinema were handed over last Wednesday.

WTW Cinemas has taken over the state-of-the-art building, ready to start work on the interior, before it is opened in December.

White River Cinema, which is the first purpose-built cinema complex to be built in Cornwall for more than 70 years, will have four screens, the latest technology and will be able to seat more than 650 people.

The old St Austell Filmcentre was closed in August 2007 to make way for the £75 million town centre regeneration project.

General manager of White River Cinema, Mark Williams, said: "Wednesday was quite a momentous occasion for us because it means that our teams can get cracking on the inside of the building.

"It's really starting to take shape now and we're very excited to be getting closer to the cinema opening becoming a reality.

"St Austell is the largest town in Cornwall and this will make a real difference to the community.

"The cinema has been badly missed by both local people and retailers in the town while the regeneration work has been ongoing."

Bryan Trethewey, project manager for Sir Robert McAlpine, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been able to deliver the cinema to WTW.

"Our teams have been working really hard to hand it back to the owners in good time and they've succeeded.

"This is a great milestone to have reached and I'm pleased we will see the first phase of the redevelopment open later this year."