The developer confirmed the timetable today after unveiling Marks & Spencer as anchor tenant.

M&S will open one of its largest UK stores at the former home of MG Rover near Birmingham.

St. Modwen will shortly submit a revised planning application for the new store alongside 45,000 sq ft of additional retail units plus a surface and multi-storey car park.

The developer said: “Subject to planning, works to the second phase of the Town Centre will start on site in mid-2014 with the new Marks & Spencer anticipated to open for trading by Christmas 2015.”

Bill Oliver, Chief Executive of St. Modwen, said: “To date, St. Modwen has created over 3,500 jobs on site at Longbridge.

“The addition of Marks & Spencer to the scheme, which will underpin the delivery of phase two of the new Town Centre, illustrates further how our transformational regeneration projects can encourage investment and serve as true catalysts for change, as well as creating substantial value for our shareholders.”

Following an intensive four year remediation programme, St. Modwen has, since 2007:

Completed development of more than 150,000 sq ft of office and industrial space which is over 95% occupied

Delivered the 250,000 sq ft Bournville College which opened in September 2011 and the £5m youth centre known as ‘the Factory’

Opened the first phase of the Town Centre in August 2013, comprising an 80,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s, a 75 bedroom Premier Inn, 24 shops, restaurants, 35,000 sq ft of offices and the £2m Austin Park

Developed over 450 new homes via St. Modwen Homes and the joint venture with Persimmon.