WORK to transform a derelict site on the edge of Haddington into a new retail park is under way.

Diggers and heavy machinery arrived at Gateside, on Haddington’s western edge, last week.

Plans for a retail park, made up of five units, were given the green light by East Lothian Council’s planning committee shortly before Christmas last year.

However, work on the site has been slow due to the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions.

When complete, the development, which was submitted by EPIC (No.2) Ltd, will include three major retail stores, two restaurants – with one including a drive-thru – and nearly 300 parking spaces.

Aldi, Home Bargains and The Food Warehouse are all expected to move into the site as the retail stores, alongside Greggs and Costa as the restaurants.

A new petrol station is also planned for the site, which is sandwiched between the A199 and B6471.

When the proposals were revealed, it was suggested that 200 jobs would be created at the retail park, with a further 75 construction jobs during the building process.