Contractors have started construction work on Stafford’s new £70million Riverside shopping centre which developers claim will have no empty units when it opens in 2016.


LBX Retail has confirmed that 80% of the contracts for units are now signed, after a setback to the proposed scheme which saw Debenhams pulling out of the development in June being replaced by Primark.


The construction work is Phase 2 of the process and will see a number of footpaths close whilst development of the site, which covers the area of 2 ½ football pitches and will have an underground car park and a six-screen cinema. takes place.


Speaking about the development, Staffordshire County Council's economy leader Mark Winnington, "we can really see the regeneration of Stafford town centre moving forward".