Scores of jobs are set to be created as a development project on a trading estate takes a step forward.

Developer DJ Property has announced that both a Greggs pastry shop and a drive-through Starbucks coffee shop are being developed at the Link Park trading estate in Chickerell.

The new outlets are being built in the corner of the trading estate next to to the Aldi supermarket, off Chickerell Road.

Both are expected to be opened by the spring, creating dozens of jobs. It is another economic boost for the area, and builds on the success of Link Park which is home to a range of businesses.

Mickey Jones, Chief Executive of DJ Property, said: “I am delighted to see more of the UK’s leading retailers taking prominent positions at Link Park.

“Link Park will be completed in 2019 and the arrival of some of the UK’s strongest retail brands is confirmation that this is one of the highest profile employment sites in Dorset. The many businesses based at Link Park and on the adjacent Granby Industrial Estate have enjoyed greater footfall since the arrival of Aldi in 2017. The opening of both Starbucks and Greggs will lift the area further and bring even more economic prosperity to the area. I am now starting to focus on other projects and I hope to recreate some of the success achieved here in other key employment sites in South Dorset.”

He added that brands like Greggs and Starbucks choosing to open new shops on the site was a vote of confidence for the area.

Mr Jones added that the project will bring both full-time and part-time employment to the area, but was unable to confirm the exact number of roles being created.

David Mayers, UK property Director of the EG Group which is managing the development, said: “EG Group is delighted to have secured this location.

“As the UK’s largest Starbucks partner, with in excess of 115 trading stores, we are delighted to bring this new drive-thru coffee facility to Link Park alongside the new Aldi.

“We feel the quality of the wider Link Park development is exactly the high-profile location suitable for the EG Group business and the Starbucks brand.

“In addition, the Greggs unit will also complement the existing businesses.”

Mo Tayab, Head of Starbucks at EG Group, said: “We’re really excited to announce that we’ll be opening our brand new Starbucks drive thru on Link Park later this spring. We have a fantastic team of 15 partners (employees) and are still on the lookout for an enthusiastic local charity partner that we can support in the local area. For any charities interested, please email starbucks@neighbourly.com.”