STORES at a soon-to-be transformed Christchurch retail park could be open by May 2016, developers say.

Preparatory work has already started at Meteor Retail Park on Somerford Road, following planning permission being granted for the new six-store shopping complex in May.

Construction activity will start at the site in the coming weeks, welcomed by residents who have seen the former PC World and Stylesouth site left derelict over the years.

And as work begins, Brookhouse Group have confirmed Aldi, Sports Direct, Bathstore and Poundland will be moving in.

Two other retailers are in talks with the group but cannot be revealed at this stage.

Tom Whitehead, group town planning manager at Brookhouse, said: "There’s a lot of preparatory work being undertaken at present.

"The first stores will be opening in May next year, and as such people will start to see increasing construction activity on site in the coming weeks.

"Contractually I am allowed to confirm that Aldi, Sports Direct, Bathstore and Poundland will be opening.

"There are two other retailers about to be contractually committed although I am not at liberty to confirm who they are at this juncture I’m afraid."

Around 150 jobs are set to be created through the development.

TK Maxx and Matalan have also been linked with the scheme.

During the planning meeting in May, councillors heard more than £2.5million of earnings would be made from the scheme, 'reducing spending leaking from Christchurch'.

According to planning agent. Matthew Sobic, of Savills, more than 90 per cent of residents travel outside Christchurch for clothing and footwear goods.

Permission for a supermarket already existed for the site, before the six-store plans were submitted.

The development has been welcomed by ward councillors and residents, including the Somerford Community Partnership.