Pictures show how the construction of Weymouth's new multi-million pound retail development is progressing - with big stores set to move their stock in within days.

The Weymouth Gateway scheme is moving along apace with finishing touches being made to the huge units which have been constructed at the site off Mercery Road opposite Aldi.

A new McDonald's restaurant and a Costa Coffee outlet - both with drive through lanes - have already opened at the site in the past few months.

Next to open will be a B&M Home Store and Dunelm - and developers say they will be handing over the big units to the companies shortly so they can be 'fitted out'. They should be open next month ready to catch the busy Christmas trading period.

B&M is still recruiting for a deputy store manger for its new Weymouth store according to its website while Dunelm is seeking a barista/coffee shop assistant and three sales assistants.

Weymouth Gateway is a key regeneration project by LondonMetric Property and Avercet.

Once the site is fully operational it will generate around 280 full-time-equivalent jobs, in addition to the 50 jobs already created throughout the construction period. It will also 'stimulate a further 50 jobs locally through associated economic uplift'.

It is expected to boost the local economy by around £5 million every year - and will also generate around £6 million in business rates.

The total retail floorspace of the completed four units will be 10,243sqm. Developers say that combined, the 'high-profile occupiers will create a vibrant retail destination that will help Weymouth retain its residents’ spend and draw new visitors to the town'.

The BREEAM Excellent-rated retail-led scheme was designed to bring investment and jobs to a long-dormant site.

Concerns have previously been raised about the lack of high-quality jobs, traffic, and impact on the town centre but the project still got the go-ahead.

It received planning approval in summer 2021, and Mildren Construction broke ground in September that year.

This is the second phase of the multi-million pound investment by the developers, who were determined to breathe life into a ‘wasteland site’ that had been unable to attract employers for more than a decade. In Phase 1, they brought Aldi to the site - which opened in September 2020 – and secured the extension of Medisave House. Combined, these represent some further 60 permanent jobs in addition to 50 construction roles.

Chris Newns, Director of Avercet, said: ‘Despite the usual range of major-project headaches, plus the well-publicised supply chain issues across the construction industry, Phase 2 is continuing to run to plan and we expect all four units to be trading in time for the festive period. We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to fulfil our commitment to bring hundreds of jobs to the town."

As well as the stores, the developers are undertaking environmental/ecology works and preparing a site next to the new units for potential future development. No occupiers are yet secured for that area but the idea is to prepare it so it’s relatively quick to develop if an interested party comes forward.

*As reported, the McDonald's restaurant which opened at the site in May is allowed to trade 24 hours, but has been shutting at 11pm because of staff shortages.

McDonald’s said this was still the case with the site currently open from 6am until 11pm "with a view to operating 24/7 in the near future".

A spokesperson added: "We're continuing the recruitment process and look forward to hearing from people wishing to join our team."