SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has signed on the dotted line confirming the contract which will see New Brighton redeveloped.

Although the fourth largest of the UK’s supermarket chains has long been linked with the development of the Wirral seaside resort, this is a key step, according to developers.

It will lead to the creation of 300 jobs as part of Neptune Developments’ £60m facelift for the town and marks a significant milestone in New Brighton’s planned regeneration.

Neptune’s Development director Rob Mason said they were pleased to be putting the relationship with Morrisons "on a formal footing" with the signing of the contract.

He said: "Morrisons will provide shoppers with much more choice and help to attract visitors to New Brighton.

"The success of the new Floral Pavilion Theatre coupled with the official signing of this deal with Morrisons, as well as the news that we will be building a new Premier Inn and six screen digital cinema, means 2009 has started with a bang for the people of New Brighton."

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC signed the contract to be the anchor tenant in Neptune’s scheme after negotiating for several years.

The new supermarket will offer around 64,000 square foot of new retail space as part of Phase Two of Neptune Developments ongoing make-over of New Brighton.

Neptune believes their scheme will bring shoppers and visitors flooding back to the resort.

Despite re-working their original plans and seeing others dismissed at a public inquiry the company has continued to push ahead with its revamp of the seaside town.

Liverpool-based regeneration specialists Neptune are currently involved in delivering a number of developments across the region including Mann Island on Liverpool’s waterfront and the redevelopment of Southport’s Floral Hall garden’s site.

Morrisons’ development director, Chris Evenson, said: "We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Neptune Developments on this scheme to continue the resurgence of New Brighton.