MERRIMACK – Five months and counting …

After years of planning and debate, Merrimack Premium Outlets, the large-scale shopping center under construction off Exit 10 of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, will open to shoppers June 14, project developers announced last week.

The center, to include 100 high-end clothing, home goods and other retail stores, will premiere with a four-day grand opening celebration, from June 14-17. Managers also plan to hold a job fair for prospective workers this spring, they said.

“Merrimack Premium Outlets will provide shoppers with the opportunity to purchase designers labels and leading brands at substantial savings in an appealing atmosphere,” Michele Rothstein, a spokeswoman for the developer, Premium Outlets/Simon of New Jersey, said in a written statement. “This is an area with sophisticated consumers, making it perfect for the type of upscale outlet centers we develop.”

Bloomingdale’s and Sak’s Fifth Avenue top the list of 50 store names released so far to fill the space.

Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, Guess, J. Crew, Nike and Talbots are also included on the list.

The $100 million shopping center will also include up to four restaurants and a 200-room hotel, according to project documents.

It is projected to generate more than $140 million in retail sales each year, as well as $1 million annually in property taxes.

The project could result in as many as 800 full- and part-time jobs, developers have said. They plan to hold the job fair sometime in April.

Developers first proposed the controversial project in 2004, and after years of discussion and debate, construction began in 2010.

Noise, vibration and water violations have delayed the work four times during the process, the last of which, a failed water test, forced work to stop in October.

Jake Berry can be reached at 594-6402 or jberry@nashuatelegraph.com.