DEVELOPERS have unveiled a host of big name stores set to occupy a major new retail park in Exeter.
The Echo can reveal that TK Maxx HomeSense will be the anchor store for the centre at Honiton Road, Sowton.
Terms have also been agreed with Frankie & Benny's restaurant chain, Costa Coffee and The Gym, which is taking 18,000 square feet of space on an upper floor to open a 24-hour budget gym.
Boots, M&S Simply Food, Carphone Warehouse, Vision Express, Pizza Express, Nando's, Evans Cycles, McColl's neighbourhood shops, a travel agent, bank and crèche have also expressed "strong interest" in the proposed development.
Developer Consolidated Property Group said demand for space in the scheme, which will be known as the Moor Exchange, is 'overwhelming'.
Around 400 jobs would be created by the development if it becomes fully operational.
CPG hopes the scheme will be granted planning permission when it is discussed by Exeter's planning committee, possibly at its meeting on December 1.
But the authority will need to take a view on whether the proposed development would be detrimental to the city centre.
Karime Hassan, chief executive of Exeter City Council, said: "Whilst I recognise demand for retail facilities to serve the eastern side of the city, I am concerned that we should not undermine the city centre and our efforts to secure further investment to bring forward the redevelopment of the bus and coach station site.
"The officers are carefully considering the retail impact assessments and will, no doubt, advise the planning committee accordingly."
Derek Phillips, vice president of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said: "Chamber has been consulted, by the developers, over a long period. Our concerns over traffic issues are being addressed and we await the retail impact assessment details.
"Although some city centre businesses are naturally apprehensive, chamber members, in the immediate surrounding area are, overwhelmingly, supportive of the need for such facilities."
Martin Ridgway, managing director of CPG, said: "We've always had a lot of interest in these proposals but operators are now chasing us for commitments.
"Those that are already present in the city are making it clear that they want representation in the east of the city as well as the centre so it is not an 'either or' situation but both.
"HomeSense will be new to Exeter, but does not fit into the city centre format. The vast majority of other operators are local service type shops that will meet the needs of local businesses and residents."
Mr Ridgway said the proposals were supported by businesses who employ thousands of employees in the area.
"It is encouraging to see the strength of support from local businesses such as Bishop Fleming, Eclipse, EDF, Exeter Science Park, First Data Bank, Blur Group, South West Communications, Exeter Friendly and many more that recognise the need for such a centre in order to cater for their employees," he said.
"Furthermore, local residents through the Wilton Way Residents Association have expressed their support, valuing the additional services in close proximity to their homes.
"These proposals will help reduce the city's carbon footprint as people will not have to drive further afield to do the typical lunchtime or after work top-up shopping."
If approved work could start next spring.
