A MULTI-MILLION pound extension to the region’s biggest outlet shopping centre moved a significant step forward today (Friday June 19) with a traditional groundbreaking.

The start of the second phase of the Dalton Park complex, near Murton, east Durham, was marked at a ceremony attended by dignitaries and developers.

The build is estimated to take one year with an official opening date scheduled for May Day 2016.

The scheme will provide a significant leisure extension to Dalton Park’s successful retail offer and includes a confirmed line-up of top operators including Cineworld seven-screen cinema, Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, Pizza Express, Prezzo and KFC drive-thru.

There will also be a Morrisons Superstore with petrol filling station, plus a hotel and family public house.

The project will create up to 500 new retail jobs and up to 400 construction jobs during the build phase.

Dalton Park managers said the start of Phase Two added momentum to an already positive half year, with sales performance to date being “very strong” and visitor numbers up on the same period last year.

Centre manager Jerry Hatch said: “Phase Two will be a tremendous addition to the community and the region.

“Not only will it enhance our current retail offer and provide a fantastic range of leisure and service facilities for visitors - it will provide a significant number of new jobs thereby continuing our investment in local regeneration.”

Easington MP Grahame Morris said: “Without the continued support of everyone involved, Murton and the surrounding area would not be benefitting from these local jobs and vital economic activity on the former coalfield site.”