The construction of a new town centre in Cranbook will start soon, and it marks a major milestone in the development of the East Devon town.

The development will include a supermarket, high street with flats above, a town square and a children's day nursery.

Completion of the supermarket and day nursery is expected next year and the high street with homes above it is hoped to be complete in 2024.

Cranbrook will eventually house 20,000 people.

In addition to this, East Devon District Council is in the process of obtaining 4 acres of land to ensure that Cranbrook can accommodate the types of community facilities that the population will need in the years to come, such as a health and wellbeing hub, GP surgery and leisure centre. 

Devon County Council is also continuing to work on their new community building which will combine a library, children and youth centres. 

There will also be a skate park, extra care housing and a new town hall.

Cllr Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council's Leader, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Chair of Cranbrook Strategic Delivery Board said: "The people of Cranbrook have been incredibly patient and we're delighted to learn that the town centre will actually start to become a reality."

Cllr Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council said: "Following considerable time and discussions, at last work is to begin on developing the town centre.

The community's aspirations are beginning to be realised with the start of the Morrison supermarket. It is a long-awaited milestone in the development of Cranbrook."

A spokesperson for the Cranbrook Consortium of developers, said: "We are very excited to see work starting on Cranbrook town centre. There will be plenty to offer for our residents and we can't wait to see the new community making use of these fantastic facilities.

"We have put a lot of time and care into building this new town and ensuring we have the right amenities in place for everyone to use and enjoy. Residents have been very patient and we're confident that the town centre will be well worth the wait.