Construction on Canvey’s new retail park will start in spring, the Echo can reveal.

A construction firm has now been appointed, and with leases for four out of the six units secured the plans are closer to fruition than ever.

According to the developers, the new retail park, which will provide 150 jobs, will create a “more convenient shopping destination” for islanders, stopping people from going elsewhere.

Developers, New River Retail, revealed in July that a Marks and Spencer food hall will feature on the site, in Roscommon Way, near Morrisons in Northwick Road, alongside Sports Direct, B&M and a Costa drive-through.

Ray Howard, Castle Point councillor, is a huge fan of the plans, particularly the job opportunities.

He said: “We desperately need employment, and we need to stop everyone leaving the island to work.

“Currently we have evidence to prove that shoppers come from Basildon just to use our Morrisons.

“Well those people are then likely to stay longer on the island. Anything which brings people to Canvey is good news.”

However, not everyone is so pleased with the plans, with one resident stating infrastructure should have been considered first.

Long Road resident, Frances Pack, said: “I don’t think anybody thinks we need this. We are told it will bring all these jobs and all these positives, but I am not convinced. It is a shame people do not look far from the end of their noses, and have not considered the effects. We cannot get on and off the island as it is, so what will happen when everyone rushes here?

“Every hour will be rush hour.”

The new retail and leisure park will total 61,000 sq ft and will include five large modern stores, a food and beverage ‘pod’ and will introduce 256 new free car parking spaces.

There are still two empty units two remaining vacant units located between M&S and Sports Direct.

Jamie Whitfield, development director at NewRiver REIT, said: “We are pleased to be making good progress at our development site in Canvey Island, activating brownfield land adjacent to the existing Morrisons store.

“We have secured pre-lets to bring an M&S Food Hall, Sports Direct, B&M and a Costa drive-thru pod to Canvey, all of whom will be well-received by the local community.

“We expect to begin construction in Spring 2018 with the new stores expected to open in Spring 2019.”

Before New River bought the site in July 2015, it was unused for about 20 years.