The family which completed the Nova building on the former Bournemouth C&A site this time last year did so just as the economy went in to meltdown.

A year on, the four retail units remain empty and half the apartments are unsold, though the entire first floor office space has just been let.

“It’s a international company we’re very proud to have in the area. Many people will be familiar with their products,” said Teresa Kay, the American wife and business partner of developer Robert.

Christchurch-raised Robert McKay Kay, 52 – who also owns County Gates – and family are in it for the long haul and believe the building will be at the forefront of regenerating the area, just as one of their developments in Owls Road, Boscombe, did.

It has already been a financial success for the family because the 65 apartments were sold to Assettrust Housing, who cut prices after struggling to shift units and 32 apartments have now been taken.

Teresa said her husband has a passion for regenerating areas and believes The Triangle can again become fundamental to the town’s retail sector.

Teresa, of Canford Cliffs, said: “We have Zara and H&M on Commercial Road which are already a great pull to get people up the hill.

“There are two ideals. One would be something like a Primark, and at the other end of the spectrum is high end shopping.

“But it’s going to take a company with vision to be that first one.

“The council is doing a lot with the £300,000 they are spending at The Triangle.

“We had companies ready to go but unfortunately the recession came along and everything in the retail sector has been put on hold.”

Daughter and office manager, Harriet, a business studies student at Bournemouth University, said: “We’ve still got interest in the units even now, which is more than most companies can say.”