Anant Singh's Dreamworld Film City has confirmed plans to build a film production complex in Cape Town, having finally received development permission from the state and city authorities.

In September Singh's consortium had appeared to have won the bidding process - it was named as the "preferred finalist" - but obtaining the relevant planning permission has taken longer than expected.

Construction is now scheduled to begin in January next year and the first tenants arrive in early 2006. Phase one of the complex will include studios with eight sound stages, digital production facilities and a large back-lot.

Singh, who also operates the Videovision group and production outfit Distant Horizon, says his investment in the Dreamworld project amounts to $58m (R400m).