H&M will take a 21,000 sq ft store over two levels for its first branch in Bath. And Boots has committed to more than double its presence within the city by relocating to a 30,000-sq ft unit within SouthGate. Both the Boots and H&M stores will open as part of the scheme's first phase in autumn 2009.The SouthGate development will consist of six new buildings providing 404,221 sq ft of retail space, 37,897 sq ft of leisure space and 24,511 sq ft of restaurant space. In addition there will be more than 90 new homes, a new 860-space basement car park, a modern integrated transport hub linking rail and bus services as well as public open spaces and new streets, including a large central square.

Multi Development has overcome the last major hurdle on its third UK project, the £300m Summer Row development in Wolverhampton, and work is expected to start on site within weeks.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has confirmed a compulsory purchase order on 72,000 sq m of land to the south of the city centre.

Summer Row will be anchored by Debenhams and will include 85 other shops, bringing the retail content to 600,000 sq ft. In addition there will be a cinema, 140 apartments and a new 800-space underground car park.

A delighted Paul Sargent, managing director of Multi Development UK, said: "Multi is now fully focused on achieving our start date for late spring 2008."

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