The developer has already signed up Marks & Spencer and Morrisons to take up prime positions in the planned £70m shopping complex in Stafford town centre.

The two new major stores will form the cornerstone of the 200,000 sq ft Riverside development,which will include a multi-storey car park, connected by a footbridge over the river Sow.

Work is expected to start next June and be completed by Christmas 2013.