Work is progressing on the new Bishop Auckland Retail Park ahead of its full opening in early summer.

Fried-chicken chain Popeyes became the first tenant to open at the new leisure park last week, with a host of other businesses lined up to join.

Developers confirmed in January that the site would be ready to open at the beginning of the summer.

Building work now appears to be complete with the car parks laid, and units ready to welcome their new owners.

Signage is up outside Home Bargains’ store calling for staff to join its team.

The multi-million project will bring more national and local brands to the town, food outlets, retailers and a cinema.

Among those signed up for the scheme are The Range, Home Bargains, Reel Cinemas and PureGym.

Only six units are yet to have leases agreed.

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Adam Mobley, from developers WSB Property Consultants, said previously: “These retailers joining the scheme highlight the strong demand for connected experiences on the scheme and we are nearly at the end of the journey of providing a top-class retail and leisure scheme for the people of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas.”

Local politicians previously said they hoped it would attract more visitors to the area, as opposed to driving customers away from the town centre.

It comes as millions of pounds are being invested in the centre to pull in punters with a new Stack venue and public square being created on Newgate Street, and a new bus station under development.