Labour has called for a 'full and meaningful' consultation on the overhaul of Bedlington town centre in the wake of news that the project is getting back on track.
The opposition on Northumberland County Council has said this is required to "to ensure that any Bedlington development fits with the needs and ambitions of local residents and supports local businesses who have been loyal to the town".
It follows the announcement last week that building work on the retail scheme, which is being led by the council-owned company Advance Northumberland, will now start "early next year and will take approximately 12 months".
In January, it was announced that the redevelopment had stalled awaiting final sign-off from the anchor tenant - a major supermarket.
But Advance Northumberland's board recently approved a revised financial model and timetable, which relies on an extra cash injection of £1.4m from the county council.
In a statement this week, Coun Lynne Grimshaw, the shadow cabinet member for regeneration, said: " The Labour Group welcomes - despite the long delay - the council looking to get this severely scaled back project off the ground.
"However, approaching two-and-a-half years since the election and following repeated setbacks and hurried announcements from the council, Bedlington residents need guarantees.
"The detail of the scheme must be shared with the community at the earliest opportunity given the administration and the Bedlington Independents advised the previous scheme was safe.
"As this has taken so long to progress, we want to see a full and meaningful consultation with Bedlington residents, local organisations and politicians on this alternative proposal.
"The high street is struggling under pressures of out-of-town and internet shopping as well as austerity. We need to ensure that any Bedlington development fits with the needs and ambitions of local residents and supports local businesses who have been loyal to the town.
"We welcome action being taken to get this scheme moving once again despite the wasted two years that has seen further deterioration and more traders leave the town due to inaction and poor political choices."
Last week, council and Conservative leader Peter Jackson said: "All parties have got together to make a viable scheme that Advance will progress as soon as possible. We have been working very hard behind the scenes to get this up and running.
"As leader of the council, I'm just really pleased that we are going to see spades in the ground."
Coun Russ Wallace, one of the Bedlington Independent ward members, said: "Like all Bedlingtonians, we are frustrated by both the slow progress of the scheme and the continued missed and extended deadlines."
Referring to Advance's pledge that it will be in a position to deliver when the additional funding is in place, he added: "We very much hope this to be the case and we will continue to press Advance to ensure the development progresses as soon as possible."
