The development will see Lidl opening a flagship store on the site, its first in Paisley, with The Range opening its first local store and Tim Hortons operating a drive-thru coffee shop.

The new retail park is on the site of a former bowling alley, which L&SI bought from Tesco. Contractor Muir Construction will support 30 jobs, mostly local employees and contractors during the build phase.

Derek Mackay, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for finance and the constitution, who is the local MSP, was bowled over by the progress.

Mr Mackay, who remembers bowling at the alley as a youngster, said: “I am really impressed with the way the construction work is progressing ahead of time, which I hope will help limit the disruption to local motorists.

“It’s great to see such a prominent site being transformed from a bleak eyesore, into what I am sure will be a thriving retail centre.

“I am also pleased to welcome the new jobs which the development will bring to Renfrewshire.”

Bryan Wilson, development director with London & Scottish Investments, said: “This is fantastic news for Paisley and we are delighted to be bringing new secure jobs to the town.

“The development is also testimony to the appeal of Paisley to some of the biggest brands in the country, who are keen to move into this key site.

“The great weather we enjoyed over the summer means the hand-over to our new tenants is now scheduled for January rather than February, and the stores should open for business, in around six weeks after that, once the units are fully fitted out and stocked.”

Mr Wilson added that the site’s prominent location, on a stretch of Renfrew Road, which is Paisley’s busiest street, was one of the key factors in their decision to invest in speculatively building a 20,000 sq ft unit on site.

He said: “We are confident that potential tenants will be attracted by the footfall Lidl, the Range and Hortons will generate and the prominence of the site.”

Just last week London & Scottish Investments revealed plans to create around 100 new jobs in Barrhead where they have applied for planning permission for a new retail park on the former Nestle dog food factory site in Glasgow Road.