Building work has finally started on a £50million retail park in Coventry – almost five years after plans were drawn up.
Developers say the out-of-town shopping centre at Binley will include big names such as Marks and Spencer, Asda, and Boots.
The scheme for a 12-acre site off Brandon Road was first put before the city council in May 2007.
But despite many objections from residents nearby who were concerned about extra traffic in the area, the go ahead was eventually given two years later.
Bulldozers have now finally moved in on the former landfill site between Morrisons supermarket and the A46 eastern-by pass.
The development, which will be called the Warwickshire Shopping Park, will include 24 shops, a ‘‘piazza style’’ square, a community centre and a block of private apartments.
It is set to open to the public in April next year.
David Diemer, real estate fund manager for Aviva Investors, said: “This development has been a long time in the design process so we’re delighted work has now commenced.
“There has been a lot of demand from the community to build a development such as this and we believe the combination of a shopping park and residential apartments will complement the existing area very well.
“The leases we already have in place with a number of fantastic retailers reflect the interest we are seeing for this location.
“We expect to see similar demand over the coming months for the remaining space.”
A management suite will also be part of the development and the apartments will feature one and two bedroom flats.
Coun Suzanna Dixon, (Con, Wyken) said she still had concerns about the traffic situation in the area.
“I objected to the original proposals and I supported the local residents who were worried about the increased traffic and the effect it would have on the estates in the area.
“What little bit of green space we have here is being taken away from us.
“I feel these big companies are just coming in to try and make more money, and they don’t care about how it affects the people who live here.”
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 2:51 pm