Final beam of construction laid for upcoming Blackwater Retail Park in Maldon

Work on the long-awaited Blackwater Retail Park in Maldon started in October, more than ten years after plans were first announced.

Five months down the line, and the structures for the buildings of the retail park have been completed, which was celebrated at the development’s topping out ceremony on Wednesday.

Stores already announced for the site include Home Bargains, Costa, Aldi and Sports Direct.

Speaking at the ceremony, the managing director of Aquilla Paul Hirst confirmed the site was on track to open in August.

He said: “In the past five months there has been some great projects developed here and my thanks go to all the workers, volunteers, managers and councillors for their continuing support and incredibly hard work, they have been instrumental in making this happen.

“The site is looking on track to open in August this year, and will bring more than 200 jobs to the town.

“We’re also pleased to say that we are near to securing a hotel chain to develop a new hotel on the park’s premises.

“The last few negotiations are underway, and a planning application will be submitted in the next few weeks.”

Mr Hirst did not confirm which hotel chain was eyeing the site, but the Standard reported in November that Travelodge had written to Maldon District Council seeking an “innovative partnership” to help bring a new hotel to the area.

Chairman of Maldon District Council Henry Bass praised the work of Aquilla at Wednesday’s ceremony.

He said: “It is great to see how far the Blackwater Retail Park has progressed and we can start to imagine the contribution this regenerative scheme will bring to the area.

“As a historic market town, Maldon has long been a destination for shoppers and my hope is that this development will complement the offer made by the rest of the town.

“It will bring more choice, jobs and employment to the area, which will be increasingly important as our community grows.”