Almost 1,000 new homes will be built by 2017 as part of a huge development in the north of Leicester.
A major local employer is also in the frame to move on to the Ashton Green site, it has emerged.
Council documents have laid out the timeline for the 320-acre site to the north of Beaumont Leys.
The aim is for work to begin on the site next year and for 950 homes to be constructed within five years.
The total development of 3,000 homes will take 15 to 20 years to complete.
Planning approval was given last month and the council will attempt to find a potential developer this year.
City regeneration spokesman Abdul Osman said: "We're at an advanced stage with a local employer planning to relocate around 200 staff to the site."
Mr Osman said he could not give any details about the employer but added: "Things are looking positive and we're planning to push ahead with finding a developer and aim to get around a third of the planned houses constructed by 2017.
"The development will be a brand new community with healthcare, a school, shops and much more."
The site has been allocated for the development since the mid-1970s but city leaders said last year that the time was right to start work to meet growing housing needs.
Almost one-third of the housing would be rental or lower-cost homes.
The proposal include plans for a 420-place primary school, community and health facilities and shops.
Homes will be fitted with solar panels so that the site is carbon neutral, as well as extra cycle paths and bus routes to help make the area eco-friendly.
Many people living in the surrounding area have raised concerns about the predicted increase in traffic, the impact on house prices and the loss of green fields.
Alan Corney, 40, who lives near Highcliffe Primary School, in Birstall, said: "There are still a lot of concerns about the effect such a massive development will have on this area.
"Loads of people bought houses here over the years without any idea that this transformation was on the cards.
"I just hope there won't be much disruption to residents who live nearby."
Eric Parker, 67, of nearby Harrowgate Drive, said: "It's a massive project. I'll be 87 by the time this is all finished.
"The more I hear about it the more it sounds like it'll be a brand new town rather than a housing estate. It worries some people."
He added: "It's good news though that there's a local business interested in moving to this site."
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