Just a dozen shops remain up for grabs at a new mini-shopping mall in Dudley’s former Woolworths store – less than a month after 64 retail units became available.

Job applications have also been flooding in after Aldridge-based Plaza Malls started work on a £1.2million scheme to convert the store in Market Place.

Managing director Tony Swannie said 52 shops had been leased while 35 people had expressed interest in jobs when the new mini mall opens at Christmas.

The project will create more than 100 jobs.

Mr Swannie said he was delighted with how plans were progressing.

“We are still on target for opening for Christmas, even though there’s a lot of work to do everything is on track.

“We have only got around 12 units left now, it’s going hugely well.

“However we are still looking for a butchers and a fruiterer.”

Mr Swannie added he was open to offers from any trader.

Plaza Malls is looking to take on nine former Woolworths stores across the West Midlands. Plaza Malls beat off competition from a 99p retailer to take over the Dudley shop.

For information email tony@plazamalls.co.uk