A SHOPPING village has received a massive boost after high street giant M&S announced it was opening a new cut-price store.

The big-name retailer is launching a 10,000 sq ft shop at Clacton Factory Outlet, creating scores of new jobs.

Work on the store, which is due to open in November, starts this week.

The move is a major coup for owner ROM Capital, as it hopes M&S will be a magnet for thousands of extra shoppers.

ROM Capital took over the centre in 2008 and is carrying out a £3.8million facelift.

Bosses say visitor numbers are already up, from 450,000 a year to 600,000, and predict they will top one million in 2010.

ROM chairman Robert Whitton said the company had worked hard to boost the quality of outlets and improve the centre’s image.

Half the units were empty when it took the centre out of administration, but the M&S move means fewer than a third will be vacant.

Mr Whitton said: “I am delighted we have been able to bring one of the UK’s leading retailers on board.”

M&S spokesman Julian Gill said the company was also “delighted” to be moving in.

He said: “Not only is the store in a great location, but it will bring jobs to the area.”

It plans to offer an “extensive range” of products at least 30 per cent cheaper than original high street prices.

Carnaby Street’s Merc Clothing, Glitter Princess and Yeomans Outdoor Leisure are among the latest shops on site.

There are also ambitious proposals for restaurants, a car showroom, garden centre and a multiplex cinema to be built next to the shopping village.