Officials believe the £20m project will have a huge impact on the town's future development.

Pescod Square is expected to create around 400 jobs and will see 23 new shops open in Boston.

Architect's drawing

Next, Ottaker's, Bakers Oven and Peacocks are among some of the national retailers signed up for the complex which is being built by London-based developers Centros Miller.

It will also be the home of Wilkinson's which is moving from its current Wide Bargate shop to larger premises in Pescod Square.

As part of the development the Royal Mail's sorting office will be demolished and relocated while a car park with 400 spaces will also be created along with the shops.

The start of work today is a huge relief for everyone connected with the project as it has been dogged by years of delays.

Problems with the relocation of the sorting office meant Boston Borough Council has invested £1m to keep the project on track.

Clothes retailer Next will open in the autumn while the whole complex is expected to be complete by May next year.