A drive-through restaurant and petrol station at the £30m transformation of Neats Court could be open within weeks.

Fast food giant KFC is already fitting out its building, and work on the garage is well under way – with the roof not far from completion.

It is hoped these could be trading by the end of August, with the Morrisons supermarket opening not long after.

Contractors have been working on the plot off Thomsett Way since last year.

There had been rumours that plans for a family pub at the retail park had been pulled, but Giles Haywood, from developer LXB Retail Properties, said that was not the case and an agreement was close to being reached with brewer Marston’s.

He said that side of the development had been moved forward, and was now expected to be built as part of the second phase.

The second phase would also include other retail units, with home furnishings chain B&M Stores already signed up and discussions under way with Pets at Home, footwear retailer Brantano and Poundland.

Work on the second phase is due to start in September.

Mr Haywood said: “We are pleased with how it’s all gone.

“It was a difficult winter in terms of weather, and I think the contractors did well to keep on track.

“We are looking forward to seeing it open and phase two start.”