LXB, the company behind the major retail and leisure site just off the A45 at Skew Bridge, plans to strike a deal shortly to start the near 500,000 sq ft complex.

McLaren is up against several contractors including BAM and Bowmer & Kirkland for the project, which secured planning late last year.

Hoardings are now going up at the Rushden Lakes site and the local highways authority has issued a road closure notice starting towards the end of this month for the site access road.

The plans will see the former Skew Bridge Country Club and dry ski slope redeveloped with a 74,000 sq ft home and garden centre and 340,000 sq ft of shops across three terraces, alongside a lakeside visitor centre with restaurants.

Midlands earthmoving specialist Barton Plant has already been on site carrying out enabling works.