THE developer of a £25m, 180,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme in Thornhill which launched in the Daily Echo last week has confirmed it has already landed a trio of tenants.

Tom Naylor, director of specialist brownfield regenerator Rokeby Developments (Southern), revealed that Kentucky Fried Chicken is the latest to sign up at its scheme at Antelope Park, Burlesdon Road.

Naylor said: "We are in final stage negotiations with Kentucky to take a 2,600 sq ft restaurant. We are also working hard to attract a tenant for a 13,000 sq ft health care facility."

The scheme designed by Fareham-based HGP Architects has also landed a 45,000 sq ft prelet from home, leisure and garden retailer The Range and a 40,000 sq ft Gala operated bingo hall.

Work has begun on a new building for builders merchant Jewson, which unlocks the key nine-acre site in the east of South-ampton. Jewson will relocate from its current premises to a new 21,000 sq ft building at the rear of the site, which is expected to complete in August. This will then allow the developer to begin demolition of the derelict seven-storey Antelope House.

The scheme, funded by Morley Pooled Pensions, is expected to complete in two years and will generate 400 jobs.

Alex Munro, of Knight Frank, joint letting agent with AtisReal, said: "There is a further 60,000 sq ft to let but because there are very few similar opportunities in this area of the city we have been attracting a lot of interest from a range of occupiers."

Naylor said: "Antelope Park is exactly the kind of messy brownfield site that Rokeby excels in; regenerating in close cooperation with local authorities and neighbouring stakeholder groups."

The Thornhill area is subject to a New Deal for Communities programme. Dave Kellett, chief executive of the Thornhill Plus You programme, said: "The New Deal aims to provide investment in the community to improve health and education, enhance the living environment and reduce crime and unemployment. This scheme ticks those boxes."