A project to transform an ageing shopping centre into a Morrisons superstore is expected to begin work later this year.

Plans to turn the Meridian Shopping Centre in Peacehaven into a 27,000-square-foot supermarket had been on the cusp of beginning work earlier this year after Lewes District Council approved the plans in April 2023.

Now, meaningful work is expected to begin in September after a number of delays, Peacehaven Town Council has told residents.

In an update on social media, a spokesman for the town council said: "An update has been received from Lewes District Council Planning who have reconfirmed that Morrisons are able to carry out meaningful works from September.

"This is due to legal agreements still needing to be signed, as well as it falling outside of the bird nesting season (between March and September)."  

An update from Morrisons is expected in the coming weeks, the council said.

Plans for the site were approved last year after Morrisons acquired the land in 2022.

Planning agents Peacock and Smith, who led the plans on behalf of Morrisons, called the Meridian Centre "dated" and "has suffered years of under investment".

The plans have seen the current Co-op store close and will make way for a Morrisons supermarket, as well as a number of other commercial letting spaces.

The supermarket said on their website: "Our plans have been carefully designed to improve and integrate the Community House building into the scheme, as well as a purpose-built replacement library building to be operated by East Sussex County Council."