By Kelly Morgan,Staff Writer

OXFORD – Ground has been broken for the future New Balance Factory Store near Industrial Drive on Route 26.

Work was expected to begin earlier, said company spokeswoman Amy Vreeland on Monday, but the project is largely on track. “At this point, we’re looking to open in the spring – we don’t know exactly when.”

Vreeland would not comment on the cost or exact size of the factory store. She did say, however, that the company expects “approximately 30 percent more traffic in this location.” That means the new location will sport approximately 30 percent more retail space than exists at New Balance’s current location on Main Street in Norway, she said.

Company officials have said the Norway store will close when new outlet opens.

Vreeland said the Norway store’s full-time staff of four will be increased in Oxford, and the new spot should offer seven full-time positions. “There’s potential to add additional part-time and seasonal help next year,” she added.

According to plans submitted to the town, the New Balance store will cover 17,000 square feet. Stephanie Smith, general manager of New Balance factory stores, has said the building design will reflect earlier Maine barns.

Initially, work on the site was expected to begin in July and be completed by early December.

Another major project expected in Oxford is the construction of the Norway Savings Bank education and training center. Karen Hakala, vice president of marketing, said Monday the bank project still is in the planning stages. She said she could not comment on its possible size. “That was one of the things that we’re still on the planning stages on, so it’s early,” she said.

Hakala said the Norway Savings Bank has not yet applied for the necessary Maine Department of Environmental Protection permits.

Oxford Code Enforcement Officer Rodney Smith said Monday the town has seen some informal site plans for the center, but no building permit applications.

Hakala did say that if it is approved, the education and training center will be the first building to go up in the Oxford Business Park.

Planned by Western Maine Development, a subsidiary of EnterpriseMaine, the business park begins at the intersection of Route 26 and Number Six Road. The park plans call for four lots ranging from eight to 10 acres.