A MARKS and Spencer food store will be opening up on Canvey, it has been confirmed.

The Simply Food store would feature on a new retail park planned in Roscommon Way, near Morrisons in Northwick Road.

Developers New River Retail revealed in the summer its plans for a new park featuring a garden centre and a Costa Coffee drive-through.

Discount store B&M are in line to occupy another of the units, with Sports Direct also opening up next door.

According to a statement issued by the developer, the tender for construction works is nearing completion and work is set to start on site within the next few months, with shops anticipated to open in summer 2018.

The statement read: “This important letting marks the first M&S in Canvey, introducing a high-quality grocery offer for local shoppers which is long-overdue for the area.

“NewRiver is in discussions with a number of other leading national retail operators to further enhance choice and variety for local shoppers at this exciting new retail park for Canvey.”

The new retail and leisure park will total 61,000 sq ft and will include five large modern units, a food and beverage ‘pod’ and will introduce 256 new free car parking spaces.

There are already 550 car parking spaces at nearby Morrisons..

There are still two empty units two remaining vacant units located between M&S and Sports Direct.

According to the developers, the new retail park, which will provide 150 jobs, will create a “more convenient shopping destination” for islanders, stopping people from going elsewhere.

Charles Spooner, director at NewRiver, said: “We have made excellent progress and the M&S letting marks a significant milestone for this exciting development, as we move closer to starting works onsite later this year.

“We are in discussion with a number of leading retail operators who are attracted to Canvey because of the catchment and high quality, large format space that this retail park will create. Our investment will act as a catalyst for further growth and investment for Canvey, providing greater choice and variety for shoppers”.

Before New River bought the site in July 2015, it was unused for about 20 years. Planning approval was granted in November last year.