MIAMI—It's a first for Walmart and a first for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The mega retailer just signed a deal that makes its supercenter the anchor tenant for the Riverbend Marketplace project. The lease marks Walmart's entry into Fort Lauderdale.

“We think Walmart can be a part of the solution for the City of Fort Lauderdale when it comes to affordable groceries and jobs,” says Bill Wertz, a Walmart spokesperson. “Our store, and others in the complex will help serve as a catalyst for economic development in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area.”

Constructed by Gatlin Development at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Interstate 95, the Walmart store will create about 300 jobs and provide grocery options to the surrounding neighborhoods. The new supercenter will feature fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, and a pharmacy, along with a wide assortment of quality, value-priced merchandise.

The 180,000-square-foot store and the retail complex that will surround is expected to help revive a 33-acre property that sits at the gateway of the city and has been vacant for seven years. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2015. The grand opening is set for late 2015.

Walmart has been operating stores in Broward County since 1989. The retailer currently operates 24 stores serving cities including Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach, Margate, Davie and Hallandale Beach.