WORK on a multi-million pound shopping centre in Flintshire has officially begun.
The Deeside District Centre, to include a Morrison’s supermarket, a Subway sandwich shop and Home Bargains store, will be built near the site of the old Kwik Save store on Ffordd Llanarth, Connah’s Quay.
In a sod cutting ceremony yesterday, the first pile of earth was dug on the six acre £15m site, due to open in late summer next year.
It will replace the town’s former Neighbourhood Centre, built in the 1970s, which had fallen into disrepair.
Paul Batho, project director for St Modwen in charge of the development, said: “There are very few developments of this nature starting on site at the moment in the UK and this is great news for residents of Connah’s Quay and Flintshire generally.
“The project represents a very significant investment in the area and will provide a modern retail centre incorporating a mix of retail outlets and improved public spaces.
“Old favourites like Sam’s Chippy and the MOT garage will still be on the complex as well as a 52,000 sq ft Morrison’s, but we are still looking for other tenants to fill the gaps. A coffee shop, cafe or fashion retailer would be nice.
“I’m very excited that work has finally started on this project. It is pretty unusual to get a retail scheme off the ground, especially in today’s economic climate.”
He added: “We have been delighted by the reaction of the local community. It really is a cracking location.”
Mark Gunter, group retail director at Morrison’s, said: “It’s fantastic to see work start on the site.
“We’re proud to be investing in the area and are delighted to be able to offer so many new jobs to people locally.
“For me personally this is a special development as it was at a store on this site that I began my retail career and I am really looking forward to seeing Morrison’s open its doors to the same community that I enjoyed serving many years ago.”
Other retailers who have agreed to sign up for a unit include Bargain Booze, William Hill bookmakers and Punch Taverns.