Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has announced it will operate a flagship store at the heart of a £150 million scheme to regenerate Great Homer Street in Liverpool.

The City Council and development partner St Modwen said the news marks a significant step towards the creation of a new district centre in north Liverpool. The deal will see the development of a 110,000 sq ft store at the heart of the Project Jennifer scheme.

Cllr Peter Millea, the City Council's Executive Member for Assets and Development, said: "This is marvelous news. Project Jennifer is a scheme which is overwhelmingly supported by the local community and they will be delighted that it is making progress.

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"The creation of a new district centre in this location is vital to the regeneration of North Liverpool and Sainsbury's decision will help us achieve that.

"It is a major vote of confidence in the area at the time when many developments are falling by the wayside because of the current economic climate. There is still a long way to go before work can start on site but the Council is committed to seeing this project through because of its importance to the regeneration of this area."

It is expected that land assembly will begin in spring 2010. St Modwen was selected as preferred developer in 2004 and a development agreement was signed in 2005. Outline planning permission for the scheme was granted earlier this year.

(CD/JM)