AFTER two years of speculation and uncertainty, builders will finally move back on site in January to resume work on the long anticipated Asda store in Stoke Park.

AFTER two years of speculation and uncertainty, builders will finally move back on site in January to resume work on the long anticipated Asda store in Stoke Park.

The supermarket giant has announced construction will pick up where it left off in Stoke Park Drive on Monday January 5.

Asda withdrew from the site in May 2007 when its residential partner pulled out of the scheme, leaving the company unable to build out the development which it received planning permission for.

No developers have since come forward to deliver the commercial and residential units which comprised part of the proposed mixed-use development. But pressure from local residents, their representatives and Ipswich Borough Council has prompted Asda to recommence work. Now the store is predicted to open by the autumn of 2009.

Tom McGarry, property communications manager for Asda, said: “We are pleased to confirm that our procurement procedures have been completed, our contractors appointed and we are delighted that we are on schedule to be back on site. It's a good start to the new year and we look forward to delivering a fantastic new store to the local community.”

The store will have a 2,500 square metre sales area providing the full Asda food and non-food range, including George clothing. There will be 229 car park spaces and the new store will create 300 full and part time jobs.

Stoke Park ward councillor Paul West said: “It's great news that it's now less than two weeks before the builders will be back on site to start building the Asda store. The whole community is looking forward to seeing the action start.

“We thank Asda for keeping their promise. Local councillors want to work closely with local people and Asda to ensure that the development runs smoothly during the construction period.”