COUNCIL bosses are confident about the future of a £90 million shopping development after the project appeared to be on the verge of collapsing.

Cllr Alan Fulford, the man leading the Western Sector development for Wycombe District Council, told the Free Press he was optimistic work could begin on it next year with completion in three years.

The project includes two major department stores, a library, a bus station, student bedsits and a cinema complex.

Cllr Fulford said architects working for the council's development partners, MAB, are drawing up detailed plans now, and the planning application could be with the council by late spring.

The Western Sector development hit problems in November when its main financial backers Great Portland Estates indicated that they may pull out of the project.

But Cllr Fulford was confident the scheme would go ahead despite a number of unresolved issues

He said that although the managing director of Great Portland Estates had been quoted as saying he was having second thoughts, there was a funding agreement with MAB and the company.

Another problem is the amount the council will have to pay in compensation to existing landowners, such as Tesco, who will have to move out under compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

Cllr Fulford said: "I am absolutely determined to see it though to fruition. I am totally committed.

"There are problems in putting a deal together and we have to resolve them."

"We want to get on with it and we are working to that end. I am fairly confident that things will take shape through the spring and early summer."

"The whole thing was a bit like a swan, sailing serenely on the surface, but paddling hard underneath."

But former Western Sector steering group chairman Cllr Roger Colomb warned this week that there would be risks until the contract between the developers and the council became unconditional.

He said: "One is at the vagaries of the market place." He warned about a recession and said it was important to get everyone tied in and it was complex.

He added: "People don't understand why we haven't got on with it and I am not surprised."

The council is believed to have £25 million capital to use for the development, part of which would go to pay compensation to landowners.

Money will be recouped by the council getting a share in the rent, said Cllr Colomb,

He said the whole area would be regenerated and the economy of High Wycombe would be improved. It was not just money, he said.

A further application by MAB to extend outline planning permission for the development is now with the council. But it is a technicality, said Cllr Fulford, and can be decided by council planninng officers using their delegated powers.