Giant hoardings have been placed at the site of a town retail park which is under development “to dramatically improve” the look of the area while work is underway.

The boards on The Causeway roundabout in Maldon have been put up around the site of Aquila’s Blackwater Retail park development.

Maldon District Council has worked with the developers to install the hoardings, which feature the district’s ‘Sense of Place’ branding, which aims to boost tourism and promote the district.

The town’s new retail park will include eight shopping units as well as a possible hotel, which together are expected to create more than 200 jobs.

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

It is expected to open in Summer 2018.

David Burrows, economic development and partnerships manager, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Aquila Developments Ltd to dramatically improve the look of the Blackwater Retail Park while it is in development.”

The signs, which aim to showcase the district as a great place to live, work and visit, are a temporary feature while the building work takes place.

Penny Channer, chairman of the council’s planning and licensing committee, said: “The new hoarding speaks of the areas distinct and wonderful heritage, culture and environment.

“It conveys our coastal connection, our independent and timeless character and the district’s gastro experience.

“By celebrating all that the district offers to individuals, family and businesses we support a vibrant economy and foster a positive environment for business.”

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

It was originally thought a Waitrose would be included in the retail park, but they pulled out of the site in September 2015, and were quickly replaced by Aldi.

The development is bringing in £20 million of investment into the town.