Around 500 jobs are to be created in Swansea at a multi-million pound shopping complex with a �15m investment.

The fashion park development in Fforestfach is just yards away from the Dewhirst clothing factory, which announced its closure in May with more than 400 job losses.

Our plans are to create a thriving, busy retail park where families can shop with ease and enjoyment

Paul Anderson, scheme agent

A former industrial site will be transformed by The Stadium Group and is expected to attract high street names such as Next, JJB Sports and WH Smith.

A total of 14 units are being built on the 10-acre site alongside the Tesco Extra and the first phase will be open for business at the end of August.

The developers say a total of 1,000 jobs could be created when the scheme is completed.

The Welsh Assembly's Economic Development Minister and AM for Fforestfach, Andrew Davies, has welcomed the plan.

Andrew Davies: "Exciting new development."

"This exciting new development is good news for jobs and investment in our city," he said.

"This is a major reflection of our city�s importance in the region as a shopping location."

Paul Anderson, agent for the scheme, said: "This is a welcome injection of new facilities and opportunities to the area.

Interest

"Our plans are to create a thriving, busy retail park where families can shop with ease and enjoyment and get all they need from one modern, attractive location.

"Interest from national retailers has been strong and Stadium expects to be able to announce a number of new names secured at the park later this month."

The Stadium group was formed in 1982 and has developed major retail and leisure schemes throughout Europe.

The opening of the shops coincides with the closure of Dewhirst at the end of August where 435 workers are being made redundant.