The biggest supermarket in Liverpool is to go ahead with development plans after much needed support from the government.

The new Tesco supermarket is to be built on a former Mecca Bingo site in Toxteth. It is reported to be the largest private investment in the area since the 1981 riots.

The government has confirmed that it will not object to the planning under the Shopping and Departure Directives legislation. Tesco will contribute £600,000 to upgrade the Centre on Park Road and to build a new Post Office. In addition the supermarket giant has pledged to set up a job guarantee scheme for local unemployed and it is estimated that around 500 jobs will be created as part of the plans.

With the government approval it is expected that the final sign-off by Liverpool council's planning committee next week will be nothing more than a formality. Paul Brant, Deputy Council Leader, was delighted at the latest news: “This will be a major boost to the Liverpool 8 economy and bring in much-needed jobs and training for people. It will also bring back to life this part of Park Road.

The ward councilors and the council are fully supportive of this project and pledge to make it a success for the community of Liverpool 8 and Tesco.”

While the plans had been originally approved by the planning committee last February, Tesco have revised the plans after concerns were raised. There were fears that the development would mean the loss of the Park Road's post office, however the revised plans include an enlarged, self-contained post office and around 530 car parking spaces.