THE new Blackwater Retail Park will create hundreds of jobs for residents in the Maldon district, it has been revealed.

The town’s new retail park will include eight shopping units as well as a possible hotel, which together are expected to create more than 200 jobs.

Speaking at Aquila’s ground-breaking ceremony at the site last Wednesday, the company’s chairman, Tony Chambers revealed the extent of possible job creation.

He said: “This development represents about £20 million worth of investment being put in to the Maldon area.

“As part of this development, we are going to be creating at least another 200 jobs as well as the 400 that have already been created on the Blackwater Trading Estate.”

Councillor Henry Bass, chairman of Maldon District Council, added: “I understand that some 200 jobs will be created as part of this development, which is really positive news for the area.

“I look forward to seeing this development take shape in the coming months and I wish Aquila well with this project.

“I hope this development will attract local people and from further afield and in turn, they will spend a little longer exploring our beautiful town with its unique and special character.”

An additional three units are still to let and agents Cushman & Wakefield are in discussion with other retailers to further enhance the attractiveness of the scheme and bring new names to the Maldon area.

The names of the potential tenants are being kept quiet for now with more news expected in the coming months. The developers are confident they will be filled.