Work to build a new £1m business centre in Dereham is finally under way, more than a decade after it was originally due to start.

The development is expected to bring 'a considerable number' of jobs to the town.

The site, located next to the Breckland Council building near Tesco, on the outskirts of the town, was originally supposed to be built 10 years ago, however construction was postponed due to the recession.

The centre is being developed by Paul Meachen of Pellamay Property Ltd, who also developed sites 1 to 11 next to the new development, which includes Dereham Tile and Carpet Centre, Doors Plus, Kickstart Norfolk and more.

The latest development will be in addition to the current properties.

He said: 'Dereham has had some tough times but I think it's turned the corner now. We're confident enough to invest this money in a Dereham development.

'There's been very little speculative development for years. Because the market is now picking up there is a strong demand.

'It's all very well building houses but we need businesses as well.'

The development will be made up of three warehouse/trade counter units and three office units.

A number of jobs are said to be created on the site, with new businesses having already expressed an interest in moving into the premises.

Mr Meachen added: 'We had a business on the rest of the site go bust on us recently. We didn't officially launch it but we had enquiries and they were gone within days. We had someone straight away, I think a few people were disappointed they couldn't get in.

'We are now going to start to officially launch it. We have got several enquiries already. I can't say how many jobs it will create yet but it will definitely create a considerable number of jobs.

'We are keen to invest in Breckland.'

Mr Meachen also said that the development represents a move to provide a place for business following the closure of many other sites in the town.

He said: 'We've lost a lot of industrial places in Dereham. There's lots of places that have gone but they've not really been replaced with good quality.

'These are the best quality units you will get. The offices will be very high spec.'