NINE more retailers have confirmed they will be moving into new premises as part of the £70m town centre south development in Harlow.

Fashion retailers Next, TKMaxx and Peacocks will be setting up shop, as well as shoe shop Clarks, toy shop The Entertainer and food outlets Nandos, Pizza Hut and Esquires Coffee.

Eight more units on the site are still to be let.

Work on the mulit-million pound project started in 2002 after Harlow Council signed the development agreement with English Partnerships and developer Wilson Bowden.

Phase one of the development, which includes the renovation and relocation of the Water Gardens, is due to open in late July and will coincide with the opening of the new 1,200-space car park.

Supermarket giant Asda, fashion retailer Matalan and health and fitness club Esporta have already secured premises and are on site fitting out their units.

Wilson Bowden development manager Neal Dale said: "The recent lettings are a massive boost for the Water Gardens, guaranteeing its success in this highly competitive market.

"Retailers today seek modern, flexible floor space giving good value for money. The tremendous occupier interest shown in the scheme is a good indicator that we are providing what the market wants and Harlow will benefit as a result."

The second phase of the development is due to be implemented later this year once Harlow Council's staff car park is relocated from outside the town hall to a different site next to the new Civic Centre.

Phase two is due for completion in autumn 2004.

April 7, 2003 19:30