Trentham Estate was the home of the Dukes of Sutherland

The owners of Trentham Gardens, near Stoke-on-Trent, hope to turn the 750-acre site into one of the UK's top tourist attractions and estimate the project will create 1,000 jobs.

The rebuilding of the old hall - demolished 91 years ago - into a five-star hotel is central to the project.

Work will also begin in January on a garden centre, which will be the centrepiece of new shopping facilities featuring craft shops and restaurants.

The Retail Village is due to open in September.

Public inquiry

The first phase of work at the estate will see the redevelopment of the Italian Gardens, which were designed by Sir Charles Barry in the 1830s, and the contraction of a new visitors' centre.

Future projects include a monkey park, an outdoor activities centre and holiday lodges.

Mike Herbert, regional director of the biggest investor in the scheme, property developers, St Modwen, said the project would create hundreds of jobs.

"Trentham will certainly become one of the top visitor destinations in the country.

"This sleeping beauty will significantly boost north Staffordshire's tourism image and it is estimated that 1,000 jobs will be created on site, with a similar number created from spin-offs within the local economy."

The plans for Trentham Gardens were the subject of a lengthy public inquiry, but were approved by the government in November 2001.

The site closes on 22 December and is due to reopen in the spring of 2004 after the first phase of work is completed.