After Planning gave the Broad Street scheme approval on Friday, developers C Le Masurier Ltd say work could begin in 2012.

And managing director Brian McCarthy says that their scheme is ahead of the Waterfront in the race to secure big tenants and start work.

‘We have got vacant possession of 60% of our site and we can start work immediately,’ he said.

‘And we have Planning consent, they have not. I would say that we are in a more advanced position.’