Another major global retailer has signed up for the long-awaited Chequers Court development in Huntingdon, which has been earmarked to open in 2017.
Manormaker GP Limited, site owner of the retail scheme in the town centre, has exchanged contracts and secured multinational clothing and home retailer Next as its second tenant.
The latest name comes after The Hunts Post revealed that Marks and Spencer will open a Simply Food store in the centre.
Director of Manormaker GP Ltd, Graham Humphrey said: “The signing of the two retailers in a major coup for Huntingdon and a significant affirmation of Huntingdon as a growing retail centre.
“We are talking to other occupiers for the scheme and anticipate interest from retailers not currently represented in Huntingdon.”
Work commenced last autumn on the site which saw preparation works begin and the main building work is set to start in the spring.
It is hoped that the second phase of the Chequers Court scheme will be ready to open in spring 2017.
“We have worked for a number of years with Sainsburys and Huntingdonshire District Council to bring forward this major investment in Huntingdon Town Centre. We believe completion of Chequers Shopping Centre will provide Huntingdon with a significantly enhanced retail offer and attract new shoppers to the town,” added Mr Humphrey.
The first part of the scheme saw the construction of a new multi-storey car park which opened in 2014.
The development will include the 9,500 sqft M&S and the 15,000 sqft Next store.
Councillor Jason Ablewhite, Executive Leader of the district council, said: “The fact that two major retailers have confirmed that they will be opening stores in Huntingdon town centre cements the town’s future role as a major shopping destination.
“I hope that other large retailers will see the benefits of moving to this burgeoning market town.”
Marks and Spencer left Huntingdon High Street seven years ago as a part of a cost-cutting exercise and Next exited the town in 2013 after being unable to find a bigger unit.
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