A BREWING company is to invest £3million in a new pub and restaurant at the Ravenscraig development in Lanarkshire.

Marston's will build their new outlet on the site of the famous former steelworks in Motherwell.

Ravenscraig Ltd, the company behind the rebirth of the site, has done a deal on a 1.1 acre site with Marstons.

Planning consent is about to be lodged for the £2.9m Marston's family pub restaurant, which will be sited opposite the Ravenscraig regional sports facility.

Ravenscraig Ltd is a joint venture company comprising Wilson Bowden Developments, Tata Steel and Scottish Enterprise.

Nick Richardson, managing director of Wilson Bowden, said: "We are working hard to create a thriving community at Ravenscraig and this deal to create a new family pub is an important next step.

"Residents, students at Motherwell College and visitors to the sports centre will all benefit from having this facility at the heart of the new community.

"Engaging with a respected operator like Marston's demonstrates we are committed to turning Ravenscraig into a location people will want to work, live and visit."

Ravenscraig Ltd appointed Cushman & Wakefield to handle the sale of the leisure opportunity.

John Menzies, partner at Cushman & Wakefield, said: "Marston's will be a terrific addition to the Ravenscraig site.

"This particular location is highly visible from the main road and has excellent access."

Work on the pub is expected to start next year and, once completed in late 2013, Marston's expect to create up to 45 full and part-time jobs.

Ravenscraig is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.

The redevelopment is expected to create 12,000 jobs and attract in excess of £1.2bn of private investment over the next 15 to 20 years.

David Wilson Homes is builing 295 homes at the Phoenix Park first phase development at Ravenscraig.

Earlier this year, Ravenscraig Ltd submitted Area Planning Briefs to North Lanarkshire Council, outlining design priorities for future developers of the proposed £600m town centre.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk