ROANOKE RAPIDS - In a matter of weeks the first shovels of dirt will be turned for Phase 2 of the Premier Landing - a $20 million investment in the future of the Roanoke Valley.

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Developer Michael Dunlow announced the next phase of his shopping center development late Tuesday afternoon.

Included in the latest phase of Premier Landing will be:

€ A new Belk store almost twice the size of the current mall store.

€ Logan's Roadhouse, an 8,500-square-foot restaurant thtt will seat over 300 people and serve a varied menu including USDA choice beef, chicken, ribs, seafood, apppetizers, salads and offer roasted peanuts on every table.

€ Hibbett Sporting Goods.

€ Rue 21, a clothing store.

€ Rack Room Shoes.

More stores are expeccted to be added in the coming weeks.

Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Blackburn was pleased with the announcement pointing out that it meant more growth and shopping opportuities.

While the loss of Belk at the Mall may be a setback in one respect, she pointed out that the new store will be nearly twice as large, offering even more variety and hiring more people.

Phase one of Premier Landing started in June of 2002 with the formal groundbreaking at Interstate 95 and Julian Allsbrook Highway. The Super Wal-Mart was theanchor for phase one.

Since the initial construction numerous stores and new eateries have located in the area turning into a bustling hub of commercial activity.

Dunlow said he was pleased with the progress and looked forward to the groundbreaking later this month. The plans for Phase 2 are currrently in the city's hands.