A MULTI-MILLION pound retail park project has finally been completed after its very last shop opened its doors to the public.
Pets Corner, which sells ethical pet care products, has launched at the Stane Retail Park, in Stanway, acting as the development's final addition.
The brand already has shops across Essex, in Braintree, Chelmsford and Billericay.
The store offers various natural pet foods, accessories, and treatments, primarily for dogs and cats, but also for other small animals such as reptiles, birds, wildlife, and fish.
One shopper said: "It's a really lovely and fresh-feeling store. It has everything you could need for your pets.
“I have a dog, so I bought her some pigs ears but there were loads of options - it even has a grooming spa inside which looks amazing.
"I go over to Stane Park quite a bit these days, be it to visit Aldi or Marks & Spencer, so I can see myself going into Pets Corner a lot more to pick up some treats or toys for my dog."
Pets Corner occupies Stane Retail Park's unit 6b, while the other half of the final building, 6a, is home to Card Factory, which opened after plans were approved in the summer.
The unit, which was originally only going to accommodate one business, was split into two to “increase the provision of jobs” and “contribute to the local economy”.
The rest of the site, developed by Churchmanor Estates at a cost of £65 million, includes a wide variety of shops such as Furniture Village, Mountain Warehouse and B&Q, as well as popular supermarkets Aldi and Marks & Spencer.
Colchester Council portfolio holder for economy, Alison Jay, was delighted to see the new store open and the retail park complete.
She said: "It is really good news.
"It has been a difficult market in the last few years but there are signs things are changing.
"From a council point of view, to have the site complete with all units open and available for residents can only be a good thing.
"It is also good to have a new business in.
"I know personally pets are a growing market, they were during lockdown, so it is a big business opportunity for Colchester."
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