It’s a project that’s been in the works for many years and has faced big delays, but a large development near Highway 400 and Duckworth Street is moving forward.

Construction on the retail development at Cundles Road and Duckworth is starting to take shape; a pleasant site for neighbours who live across the street.

"It’s long overdue.  I’ll be glad to see the end of all the dust, we hope, but it will be very handy to just walk across the road and pick up your groceries and whatever else is going in there," one neighbour told CTV News.

The first stores being built will be a Loblaws and a Shoppers Drug Mart, both have received building permits from the city.

"It's nice to see actually something come to fruition, we've been talking about it for years, it'll be nice to see the dust stop and something come to light,” says Ward 3 councillor Doug Shipley. “It's going to be fresh and new and help this end of the community and help our neighbourhood."

Shipley says there are also plans for a theatre, fitness centre and restaurants. The initial plan has been approved by the city and the developer just needs to purchase the appropriate permits.

As for the condos that were supposed to be built alongside this retail space, they appear to be dead.

"The condos to my understanding are a bit of a big disappointment to me. They have been on the books for many years, I know many people have given their money in for the condos, have put their money down on it. My understanding is the condos will not be going ahead," says Shipley.

The developer, Pen Equity and Mady Developments, couldn't be reached for a comment on Wednesday. 

CTV News contacted Tarion Warranty, the corporation responsible for Ontario’s New Home Warranty Program, for a comment. Melissa Yollick, a spokesperson for the corporation, says, “since the construction will not be proceeding on the project, Mady will be returning deposits to purchasers."

While the condos may have come to a halt, the road work surrounding this development is on track. The new southbound Highway 400 bridge is in use.  The $28 million road project will continue with a new northbound bridge, and widening of Duckworth.

The road work in this area is expected to last until the end of 2016, but Shipley says he was told Loblaws is expected to open by November.