A NEW retail park in Cirencester is close to being complete, with only a handful of shops left to organise their grand opening.

Cirencester Retail Park, based in Bridge Road on the former Vygon Ltd site, is only part complete but already visitors are streaming in to explore.

The new development was proposed back in 2011 by CDP Properties Development Ltd and was met with concerns from councillors and business owners about how it would affect shops in the town centre.

Vice president of Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan Davis, owns a gift shop Lock, Stock and Barrel, which is based in Market Place. On hearing about the plans in 2012 he said it would be an “absolute disaster” if businesses in the centre of town were closed as a result of the new retail park.

He said he has not noticed any difference in the town centre since some of the new retail park shops opened this autumn, but added that his shop is not in competition with the new stores.

“It needs to be kept under review,” he said. “I would rather see developments focused in and around the town centre but we will just have to watch and see the impact, if any, on trade in the town centre.”

The businessman went on to say he is sure many people will start using the retail park when the last shops open at the end of November.

“I hope it’s not the first of many in the area,” he added. “I hope the town centre remains at the core of the retail offer in town.”

At the moment KFC, The 99p Store and Sports Direct have already opened their doors at the retail park and have drawn in the crowds.

Pets at Home is due to open on November 21 while Domino’s Pizza and Home Bargains are also hoping to be ready before the end of this month.