Work on Barrhead’s long-awaited £16million retail park officially got underway this week, with the promise of around 200 new jobs in the pipeline.

A sod-cutting ceremony took place at the site of the former Nestle Purina factory, off Glasgow Road, on Monday.

The retail park will feature Burger King and Starbucks drive-thrus, a Lidl supermarket and a B&M store with garden centre.

Tanning chain Indigo Sun is also set to move in, with the Salvation Army signed up as another tenant.

Two further units are under offer, with two others available for rent.

Muir Construction has been handed the contract to build the new development, which covers an area of 64,000 square feet and is due to open in spring 2023.

London & Scottish Developments – the firm behind the retail park – has said it will create 120 to 140 long-term jobs, as well as around 50 to 60 roles in the construction stage.

Andy Richardson, group development director at London & Scottish Developments, told the Barrhead News: “I am delighted to see construction commence on a site that has lain derelict for so many years.

“We are pleased to have worked with both East Renfrewshire Council and Muir Construction to regenerate this disused land to meet modern occupier demands.

“This new retail and leisure offer will attract shoppers from a wide catchment area into Barrhead. It will provide the public with more choice and enhance their overall shopping experience.

“This site represents the latest in a series of successful retail developments. We have previously completed retail parks at Cupar, Crieff, Cowdenbeath, Aviemore, Cumbernauld and Paisley.

“We welcome approaches from landowners who wish to undertake similar schemes and require a well-funded partner.”

London & Scottish – part of Glasgow-based London and Scottish Property Investment Management (LSPIM) – is one of Scotland’s largest independent property managers, with more than 70 staff and £1billion worth of assets.

The new Barrhead development will have 362 car parking spaces, including eight rapid chargers for electric vehicles.

In a separate development, fast food giant McDonald’s has announced plans to build a new £4million outlet on a neighbouring site, off Bowerwalls Place, with the promise of 120 jobs.