TOP TV chef Gary Rhodes is to turn Plymouth's disused waterfront Dome into a multi-million-pound restaurant, creating 50 jobs.

Called Rhodes West, the brasserie, bar and events suite is due to open next summer after being leased from Plymouth City Council.

Detailed plans are still being drawn up but are expected to include a bar and brassiere for 100 people, with private dining and extensive function facilities with views over the Sound.

Mr Rhodes, who has fronted MasterChef and Rhodes Around Britain on TV and earned coveted Michelin stars at other restaurants, said: "The opportunity to open a restaurant in Plymouth, especially in such a superb location, was simply not to be missed.

"I am starting to put together ideas for the menus."

It is expected the restaurant will feature many of Mr Rhodes' "classic" recipes alongside "unique" dishes, and use locally-sourced food.

Mr Rhodes said there were already quality restaurants in and around Plymouth and added: "I am sure we will add to that, helping create a strong culinary reputation for Plymouth, which in turn should help the local and regional economy by attracting more visitors to the city."

Plans, which will need planning and licensing consent, are being finalised but are expected to include an open kitchen so diners can see food being prepared.

The bar and brasserie, in the main Dome area with an outside terrace, will serve light meals, drinks, coffees and 'lite bites' throughout the day but will become a 100 cover, seven-day-a-week eaterie for lunch and dinner.

The private dining room will provide dinners or lunches for 15 to 50 people.

A ground-floor function suite will be designed to cater for weddings, and contain a purpose-built suite with a private bar, reception lounge and private 'chapel'.

Mr Rhodes, who is already taking bookings and looking for staff, said he would "love" to launch a cookery school, but it is still in the "concept stage".

When completed, the restaurant and function venue is expected to be the largest of its kind on the South Coast.

Mr Rhodes said: "I will be in Plymouth on a regular basis as we go through the build and the fit-out programme and start to build our kitchen and front-of-house teams."

The 51-year-old has worked in the South West before. He was head chef at the Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, where he was awarded his first Michelin star.

He added: "I'm looking forward to getting to know the people of Plymouth and the wider region."

The 16,000sq ft Plymouth Dome visitor centre was opened by the Queen in 1989, and pulled in more than 2.3million visitors before being shut by the council in 2006. In November last year the council put the building on the market in a bid to encourage potential occupiers to come forward.

Several schemes were put forward including a £500,000 exhibition of Plymouth's marine heritage, but never got past the drawing board.

Cllr Vivien Pengelly, leader of Plymouth City Council, said Rhodes West "is exactly the sort of venture we wanted to see in the Dome. It is a key location overlooking our amazing waterfront".

Sarah O'Leary, Plymouth Waterfront Manager, said: "Rhodes West will be a huge boost for the waterfront."