Cannock's new TK Maxx store starting to take shape

Builders cleared the land in October and have now begun working on the steel structure for the designer brands clothing outlet, which is due to open in the summer.

The shop is one of four being built on Cannock Gateway Retail Park based at the Churchbridge interchange.

Burger King, a drive-through Costa Coffee and Sofa Works will also open as part of the multi-million pound development, which is expected to be ready by June.

The new Burger King will be the first in the Cannock area.

The 5.8-acre retail park will create 120 new full and part-time jobs.

The site is being developed by Hortons' Estate Developments Ltd and Richard Norgrove, property director, said it was an 'exciting development' and a 'prominent site'.

Tony Green, chief executive of Hortons' Estate Ltd, said that extensive groundworks have taken three months but building work is progressing well.

Mr Green said: "Building work is on track and the site should be ready in June with the units ready later in the summer for shoppers. The steel works are now up and it is always a concern building over the winter but the weather has been good and everything is developing well.

"The next stage you will see over the coming weeks is the cladding on the outside of the unit and then work will begin on the inside of the store and work will begin on the next unit. All four units will be ready by June."

Leader of Cannock Council George Adamson agreed, adding: "It's great that national brands are coming to Cannock. It shows confidence in the district and it will bring more jobs to the area."

The progress at the site comes as the opening of a new Marks & Spencer near to the Churchbridge interchange has been delayed.

It was due to open in the former Comet store in April but it will now be Autumn.

M&S will be based on the Orbital retail park after the the council worked for three years to bring the big name to the town, naming it at the top of a wish list of brands.