THE long-awaited £60 million Kidderminster town centre development should be up and running by Christmas next year.

The controversial scheme, whose first phase has been hit by a series of delays, has attracted several major companies.

However, the consortium including Wyre Forest District Council and developer Centros Miller, has failed to land a cinema, number one on people's wish-lists, and an arts centre.

A massive health and fitness centre will be the centrepiece of phases two, three and four, details of which were unveiled this week.

JJB Sports will be opening a 45,000 sq ft complex which will encompass a health and fitness club, swimming pool and a 15,000 sq ft superstore selling sports goods.

Other outlets committed to the development are Pizza Hut, a drive-through Burger King, West Midland Co-op Travel Centre and Brantano (formerly Shoe City).

Nearly £1 million will be spent on renovating Slingfield Mill.

De Bradelei Mills will spend the sum on renovating the listed Victorian mill before a mini-department store - selling everything from fashion to household items - moves in.

De Bradelei is expected to use the two lower floors for its retail operation and the third floor for administration.

Converting the top floor into exclusive town centre flats has been ruled out on cost grounds and access difficulties created by siting them over a retail operation.

A role for the refurbished Piano Building has not yet been identified but options include converting it for residential use or using it to house the town's indoor market.

Work is well underway on a Tesco superstore on the £25 million first phase and demolition work for the remaining phases is due to start in October.

Centros Miller development manager David Lewis said there had been encouraging commercial interest in the scheme.

He said: "This is probably the biggest town centre site of its kind in the country and we are excited about it.

"It is one of the most encouraging schemes in terms of occupier demand we have."