THINGS are moving forward on the site of Maldon’s new retail park after more than a decade of planning.

It has been ten years in the making, but in less than 12 months the shopping complex will be open to the public.

Big name brands including Aldi, Next and Costa are among the shops which will open next August.

The Aquila development will also create 200 jobs.

The town and district are still divided over the plans.

There are concerns the stores could change Maldon’s unique High Street and draw people away from its independent shops.

But the move could help bring more business to town and stop people travelling to Chelmsford and Colchester to spend their cash.

Whatever your stance on the plans, it is undoubtedly good news companies want to invest in our area.

We hope, once it is built, the town will have the best of both worlds with quirky independent traders and High Street names.

It has the potential to help attract even more people to visit the district.