Up to 1,000 new jobs will be created in a multi-million pound scheme to build one of the biggest leisure and shopping complexes in the South.

Work has started on the £40 million waterfront development at Brighton Marina, which will create hundreds of jobs in management, retail and leisure when it opens in spring 2002.

Seventy per cent of the premises have already been let to companies including Holiday Inn, which will run a 100-bed hotel, restaurants including Shoeless Joe's and Wildlife Caf and designer retail outlets.

Tour operators and sports holiday specialists Neilson will move into new offices at the marina next year, creating 120 jobs.

Neilson, which is part of the Thomas Cook group, is set to expand and is relocating its operations at Gatwick and St George's Road, in Kemp Town, Brighton.

The travel giant is already recruiting reservations staff, skiing specialists, nannies and hospitality staff to work from the new base, which is currently under construction.

Penny Bowskill, Neilson's marketing manager, said: "Brighton Marina is the perfect location for a company that fits sailing among its operations. The new offices are absolutely brilliant and will have the best views in Brighton."

A luxury £5 million casino is expected to be open in the summer next year and will create about 150 new jobs.

A massive visitors' experience, details of which are being kept secret until the deal is completed, will also open at the marina.

David Courtney, spokesman for Parkridge Developments, owners of the commercial sector of the marina, said: "This is fantastic news for the economy of the new city. I personally feel very proud and privileged to be part of helping to establish Brighton Marina as the major leisure and entertainment centre for the South Coast and one that will attract millions of visitors each year."

Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner said: "I am delighted because the marina is bang up against Whitehawk and the New Deal area. This is going to create a lot of jobs for local people."