A ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start on site of the first phase of the development of the new Openshaw district centre, to be anchored by an 80,000 sq ft Morrisons store, has taken place.

Luke Murphy and Kate Weir, both aged 10 years, from St Clement's RC Primary School in Openshaw joined other VIPs including representatives from the City Council, New East Manchester, Dransfield Properties and Morrisons to cut the first sod of turf.

The £40 million retail development on an 11.9 acre site off Ashton Old Road also includes a range of smaller shops, 670 car parking spaces, office accommodation, improvements to the public realm and a piece of public art.

Yorkshire-based developers Dransfield Properties Ltd are undertaking the construction of the 250,000 sq ft District Centre off Ashton Old Road in partnership with urban regeneration company New East Manchester. PDR Construction is undertaking this first phase of the construction work.

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Commenting on the development, Sir Ian Gibson, Chairman of Morrisons, said: "This retail development marks a great opportunity for us to bring our fresh food offering to Openshaw, in line with our national to nationwide strategy for new stores. We operate at the heart of many communities and we're pleased to be a central part of the significant regeneration of this area that the district centre will bring."

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester, said: "We are very pleased to have Sir Ian here to mark this important milestone for Openshaw. When all the phases are complete this development will form a much needed new commercial heart to the area. Openshaw is already benefiting from improved amenities and developments including a fantastic new health centre, the Sporting Edge and the New Roundhouse community facilities, new homes in the Toxteth Street area and a new Greggs bakery that has safeguarded 250 jobs. All this is helping make Openshaw a more attractive, family-focused neighbourhood which will benefit existing residents and encourage more people to choose to move to the area."

Retail Property Developer for Dransfield Properties, Andrew Malley, said: "The provision of a new district shopping centre to form the focus of community activity and help restore pride in Openshaw is a vision we shared with New East Manchester and Manchester City Council since the inception of the scheme some 7 years ago. We fully expect that the development will create a successful and vibrant shopping area and create significant employment but also act as a catalyst to further investment in East Manchester.

"We are delighted that Morrisons will form the focal point of the scheme as anchor tenant and create a successful outlet for the company, its new employees and shoppers alike. The scheme will put Openshaw back on the map and will generate optimism within the local community."

(CD/BMcC)