The Great Homer Street development, known locally as Project Jennifer, is being developed by St Modwen and has just gained detailed planning.

The 45-acre scheme will be anchored by a 110,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s, expected to be the largest food store in Liverpool to date.

There will also be 80,000 sq ft of additional retail units, 80,000 sq ft of light industrial units, 480 new houses and 40,000 sq ft of community facilities, including a new market and community health centre.

Following an initial phase of site preparation works, it is expected that development of the giant supermarket will begin in Spring 2015 and open early in 2016, with the entire scheme due to complete in Autumn 2016.

Further phases of development will follow in the Marwood tower and Dryden Street areas of the site.

Stephen Prosser, regional director at St. Modwen, said: “We are delighted that this scheme, which is both needed and wanted by the local community, is moving forwards towards actual delivery on site.

“The attainment of this detailed permission is the next important step forward and is testament to the positive support the scheme continues to enjoy.

“We are committed to delivering this scheme for the people of North Liverpool and will be working hard to finalise the details over the next few months in the build-up to starting on site.”