THE long-awaited Vineyard Gate shopping centre in Colchester will be discussed at a meeting behind closed doors .

Colchester Council’s cabinet will talk about the planned £70million shopping centre next week on November 26.

Members of the public and the media will not be allowed to attend.

A notice on Colchester Council’s website states the meeting will discuss the developer’s agreement and financial terms, but it is understood a final deal will not be agreed at this stage.

A council spokesman said the meeting was in private because it did not want to release “commercially sensitive information” which could jeopardise the project.

She said: “We know how eager residents and visitors to Colchester are to hear more about the anticipated Vineyard Gate development because we are extremely excited about it too.

“All parties at the table are still working to bring the development forward and all current signs are positive.

“We are looking forward to, as soon as the time is right, letting everyone know more details on what is shaping up to be an extremely exciting project, which will revitalise the town’s retail offer and further improve its destination status.”

The Gazette revealed earlier this year the authority was willing to invest £5million to help get the project off the ground, potentially next year.

Vineyard Gate, to be developed by Caddick, will include a big-name anchor store and smaller shops and restaurants in the 170,000sq ft area.

The shopping centre, which would create around 750 jobs, has been mooted for more than a decade.