The firm today confirmed it had also conditionally pre-let to Sainsbury’s, along with a Marston’s public house, a drive-through KFC and a coffee outlet.

Work is now expect to start at the Gateway Middlehaven project in the spring and talks are being held with several contractors including Barr.

Retail development site next to the Riverside Stadium

Other significant foodstore schemes moving ahead include a 99,653 sq ft store at Herne Bay in Kent, where, after some delay, its expects to gain consent early next year.

It also has earmarked a site in Midsomer Norton in Somerset, with potential for retail, and residential uses and a smaller foodstore site in Stokesley, North Yorkshire.