A CONTROVERSIAL town centre redevelopment plan has cleared the last hurdle, allowing construction work to begin.
Environment Secretary John Prescott has confirmed Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's compulsory purchase order for land and buildings in the Wilton Street area of Redcar, the site earmarked for a £26m shopping complex, Regent Walk.
Mr Prescott has backed the Government inspector, who presided over a public inquiry in January.
The inspector had concluded: "There is a considerable need for the proposed scheme if the council's regeneration objective for Redcar is to be achieved.''
The plan is to have a supermarket, Morrisons, and 23 shops in an open mall linked to the High Street.
Dr Joan Rees, the council's director of economy and the environment, said: "The partners in the scheme, the council, One NorthEast and Teesland Development Company, are delighted. We can now plan for a start date on site, during the course of next year.''
Council leader Councillor Dave Walsh said: "I am delighted that the final hurdle has been cleared."
More than 50 houses stood in the path of the development. Several places of worship, a public house, a car showroom and a row of shops will be bulldozed.
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