A new multi-million pound shopping centre at Derriford in Plymouth which is expected to create more than 100 full-time jobs will open in October, Plymouth City Council has confirmed.
Work started on the council-owned site in June 2023 and this Friday the first part will be complete, ready for a fit-out by supermarket giant Aldi.
It will transform the former Seaton Barracks Parade Ground on the A386, which has been unused for more 20 years.
Other outlets confirmed are M&S Food, Costa, Pets Corner, PureGym and Oggy Oggy Pasty Company and there will be 12 EV charging points.
Cllr Mark Lowry (Lab), cabinet member for finance, told a cabinet meeting the council would be “handing over” 20,000 sq ft of space to Aldi this week and the store would open in October when the ribbon would be cut for the whole complex which is costing £20 million.
It is being built by ADC Kimberley Ltd, the council’s preferred developer chosen in 2019 following a competitive bidding process and given planning permission two years ago.
Cllr Lowry said: “We have taken the opportunity to buy the land and work with developers to bring that project forward. Not only will it provide jobs but every business will be paying rent to us and we can use that to pay for services. We are doing our bit.”
By Alison Stephenson