BRENTWOOD Council's leader has said talks with developers over the multi-million pound redevelopment of William Hunter Way are ongoing.

Louise McKinlay said the Conservative-run authority are "on track" in their negotiations with Stockland to successfully conclude the deal and bring builders onto site later this year.

Plans for the development include building a six-screen cinema, a Marks and Spencers, TK Maxx and a multi-storey car park.

At an ordinary council meeting on December 11, it was decided to carry on with the project despite a development agreement deadline being missed for a fourth time.

Mrs McKinlay said: "Our priority has been to make sure that we get the details of these right and I will shortly be calling a meeting with the cross party working group to update them on these negotiations.

“We are now looking forward to moving on to the next phase of the project."

As part of the ongoing discussions, the council are looking to add financially penalty's to the deal should Stockland not commence work is not under way by September this year and completed by December 2015.

If the future of the project is not concluded by the end of this month, the development will be scrapped.