DEMOLITION work will begin next week at the site of Orchard Park's long-awaited £5.5m shopping centre.
The eight-unit centre is being built on the site of the crumbling 1960s shopping parade off Orchard Park Road.
David Savage, development manager at Chester-based developer Cityheart Ltd, says hazardous material is now being removed from the building.
He said: "Asbestos is being ripped out and we're looking to begin demolition work next week."
Cityheart was appointed by Hull City Council to build the centre in March 2010.
The scheme has been hit by delays, due to difficulties in securing tenancy agreements.
Under the revised timetable, the centre should be fully opened by next Easter, said Mr Savage.
"It's taken us a bit longer than we would have liked," he said. "But we have been in a very difficult economic period.
"Orchard Park is not a prime pitch – the city centre is, so there have been some difficulties obtaining tenants.
"We're never going to get Selfridges moving there."
However, Mr Savage said the centre will contain "a good mix" of shops.
"We still have some negotiations to do," he said.
"We are talking to some national retailers, but I am unable to disclose names due to competition issues."
Heron Foods will take the largest unit.
A McColls newsagents will include a post office.
Mr Savage said: "The Post Office does not like standalone units – it tends to open branches in other stores.
"The current post office is well used. Keeping a branch in Orchard Park was a necessity."
Mr Savage confirmed Cooplands and King's Kebabs have also signed leases.
He said the centre will help significantly to improve the estate.
"Local residents have been waiting a long time for a new shopping centre," said Mr Savage.
"The whole environment of Orchard Park is being uplifted."
Mr Savage said a full list of the businesses that will be moving into the centre will be made public shortly, once legal agreements have been signed.
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