PRESTATYN’S new retail park will open its doors to the public on March 7.
The long-awaited development will see Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Next, River Island, New Look, Boots, Costa Coffee, Poundland and David Jones Furniture welcome shoppers for the first time from 10am.
Planning permission was granted for the park on Nant Hall Road to Stadium (Prestatyn) Ltd in November 2007 and it is being hailed as a “renaissance” for the town.
Neil Allum, secretary of Prestatyn Business forum, said: “We are looking forward to the regeneration of Prestatyn.
“We have been through a lot of pain over the last 18 months. Most of the traders in he town are positive about it. We hope it is going to be an renaissance for Prestatyn”
Mr Allum said the town now boasted ample free parking a good range of shops and services, a cinema and good transport links.
It is expected the site could create up to 675 jobs. Work on the site started in the summer of 2011.
Prestatyn Mayor, councillor Anton Sampson, said the shopping park would be the start of a “new chapter” for the town.
He said: “We want it to be a huge success, but we do not want the High Street to be forgotten. It is important it includes the High Street, which it does as it is not an out of town shopping park.
“We hope it makes Prestatyn a destination town rather than somewhere people pass through.
“This could boost tourism and help other businesses in the town.”
Discussions are also underway to look at creating a Prestatyn Town Manager post.
Matthew Beddow, managing agent for Parc Prestatyn Shopping Park, said: “The shopping park is scheduled to open at 10am on Thursday, March 7.
“Work is progressing very well and is on schedule with tenants now on site fitting out the stores in preparation for the opening.
“Parc Prestatyn is in the heart of Prestatyn and will be a valuable addition to the town centre.
“We are working closely with Denbighshire Council, Prestatyn Town Council and the Prestatyn Business Forum to ensure the opening is a success and the shopping parc plays a full part in attracting customers to the town centre.”