Developer St. Modwen said work will now begin in the Autumn on the second phase of retail development at its 468 acre former MG Rover site .

This phase will include a landmark 150,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store, marking a further significant step forward for the ambitious regeneration scheme.

The developer also gained planning for an extra 45,000 sq ft of shops, together with surface and multi-storey car parks.

Kier, Morgan Sindall and Vinci are bidding for work in the second phase with Morgan Sindall looking to build on its success during phase one.

Bill Oliver, chief executive of St Modwen said: “The development of the new Marks & Spencer store, the anchor of the second phase of the new town centre at Longbridge, represents a significant milestone at this major regeneration project and is a key part of our overall aim to create business and employment opportunities in the area.”

After an intensive four-year remediation programme, St. Modwen has, since 2007: completed a development of more than 150,000 sq ft of office and industrial space; delivered the 250,000 sq ft Bournville College and the £5m youth centre known as ‘the Factory’;.

It opened the first phase of the town centre last 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.

St Modwen Homes in its joint venture with Persimmon is developing over 450 new homes, of which around 50% are already completed and occupied.