A new Tesco superstore proposed for Glengormley's neglected Northcott Shopping Centre several years ago might now be getting underway.

Store staff have already been told they are to be re-located after Christmas as the demolition of the 35-year-old centre is to commence.

Preliminary test drilling has been also been taking place in various parts of the extensive site as the project finally moves ahead.

It has now emerged that the delays were down to two applications from the developer to vary planning conditions on road access and opening hours to accommodate the anchor tenant.

According to local Alderman, Nigel Hamilton, (pictured here) who chairs Newtownabbey Borough Council's Planning Committee, this was a "rationalisation of the previous applications".

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He said: "I have met with the architects, Taggarts and the agents, BTW Shields on this and welcome this latest step forward in the process."

The proposed complete redevelopment of Northcott Shopping Centre in Newtownabbey - by Blanca Developments - was given the go-ahead - ironically given the delays - through the fast-stream Planning Service's Pre-Application Discussion (PADs) system.

NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots granted the £35m regeneration plan last December and said: "The proposal represents a high quality modern development for the area, replacing the current centre which, although of its time, is now somewhat run down and in need of redress."

Tesco, currently the anchor tenant in Northcott, will increase roughly double in size, creating up to 200 new full and part-time jobs for the area.

These workers will join the 170 employees currently working in the store, bringing the number of people employed by Tesco across Newtownabbey Borough Council area to more than 750.

It is now expected that work will finally get underway in January with a fillip for the construction trade creating around 250 temporary jobs with an anticipated shopping mall, 830-space car park and Tesco petrol station and shopping mall creating the expected 200 permanent posts.

See: Tesco's Northcott Plan Approved

See: Tesco Superstore To Get Underway

(BMcC/GK)