The job marks a big step forward for the firm which has grown to become one of the largest independent builders in the North East in recent years based on courting major retail chains.

PDR director John White said: “This is another significant contract win for us and our first project for B&Q, part of one of the UK’s largest retail groups.

“The project will help to raise our profile further outside this region and in an industry sector which seems to be weathering the recession better than most.”

The 45,000 sq ft B&Q and three retail units at 35,000 sq ft are at the Cardinal Point scheme in Tamworth.

The B&Q store has been designed to a custom specification and will boast the latest in B&Q store design to meet the company’s environmental and sustainability requirements.

As well as B&Q, fashion chain Next and electronics store Maplins plan to take premises at the scheme, which will eventually boast 100,000 sq ft of retail space.

PDR Construction was awarded the contract by property developer The Redbourne Group.

The architect is Wakefield-based The Harris Partnership, while the structural engineer is Capita Symonds and the employers agent is Leeds-based Gardiner & Theobald.