A BRAND-new retail park looks almost set to be opened with residents looking forward to the new shopping opportunities.

The St Hilary Retail Park being built off Miles Gray Road will boast a Lidl, Greggs, Tile Mountain and other stores, when completed.

The main buildings on the site appear to have been completed, with photographs of the site taken last week showing work crews are now focussed on laying the tarmac for the parking area.

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The shopping units have yet to have their interiors fitted or signage added but appear to be largely finished from the outside.

The firms set to move into the site are remaining tight-lipped on any potential opening dates.

Tile Mountain previously indicated it was targeting a Spring opening, while Lidl has told the Echo it is aiming to open this summer.

“I cannot wait for the Lidl to open,” Basildon resident Daniel Jackson, 33, said.

“It is by far the best supermarket in terms of prices and deals.

“And this one will be much easier for me to get to than the others around Basildon.”

He added: “It looks like things are progressing well so hopefully we can get in there soon.”

Nethermayne councillor Kerry Smith, leader of the Independent Group, said: “Retail parks have always been the preference of Basildon residents for shopping over the town centre.

“The convenience of being able to pull-up, take a spot, pop in to the shops and grab what you want without having to worry about parking and walking around for ages trumps the town centre.

“I do feel for those who rely on public transport, as that makes it harder to use the retails parks.”

Greggs, Lidl and Tile Mountain were all contacted for comment; all three declined to provide an expected opening date.,

A Greggs spokesman said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations, while we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will be sure to share any information in due course.”