CONSTRUCTION work on a "highly anticipated" multi-million pound 60,000 sq ft retail development reached completion this week.

The Quora Retail Park, on the former Fields printers and packaging site at Scott Works in Hollingwood Lane, was given unanimous approval by Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee last August.

The development, which is on the edge of the Scholemoor Estate and is expected to create around 185 jobs, will see popular household names including Aldi, Heron Foods, Home Bargains, Greggs and Starbucks strike up a new retail offering in the area.

An additional unit will be let to the Sue Ryder charity and the site will also include Marston's pub The Flying Squirrel.

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The name is a nod to the history of the area, due to the pub being built on the land previously owned by the renowned Scott Motorcycle Company.

It will cater for 150 diners and will offer pub classics and a carvery.

Marston’s Inns and Taverns said the pub is part of an ongoing new-build scheme to provide “top quality” pubs across Britain.

Project completion on the site was marked with a handover ceremony by Nottinghamshire-based contractors Jessops Construction, employers agents Cynergi and fit-out teams from the retail names due to take up residence over the coming weeks.

The project, which began in December last year, involved the construction of six retail units and external works.

Richard Sherry, Commercial Manager of Jessops Construction, said “We are pleased to have delivered another successful project for our well-valued client, Quora.

"Our site team have worked tirelessly to ensure that despite the inclement weather at the start of the project and the additional works added, we have had minimal deviation from the original programme. This has ensured that each of the stores are able to undertake timely internal fit-outs to guarantee store openings, where desired, prior to the all-important festive trading period.”

He added “The project has been highly anticipated by the local community and will offer more choice to those living locally.”

In a reader poll carried out by the Telegraph & Argus last year after the plans were approved, 88 per cent of those who voted said they were in favour of the decision to give the retail development the green light.

Councillor Michelle Swallow (Lab, Clayton & Fairweather Green) said the development would be a boost for the area.

She said: "Having met with the developers, they are really keen to develop the area, make it a nice area and give local people opportunities for employment and just to revitalise that area."

Coun Swallow said it could be a "real boost" in terms of footfall and the local economy.

She pointed to the fact that it would also be helpful for people who live at the Clayton end of the ward, particularly since the loss of the Co-op store in the heart of the village.

The branch, in Town End Road, closed its door last month and will become a B&M store.

At the time, a spokesperson for the Co-operative said it had been “difficult decision” to close the branch, but such decisions sometimes have to be taken to keep the business “moving forward with purpose and momentum”.