Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Tuesday it will not be part of the 9th and Colorado redevelopment project, ending a tumultuous, nearly four-month battle between developer Jeff Fuqua and neighbors who opposed the giant retailer.

In a statement, the company said: “While Walmart will not be part of the planned redevelopment of the former University of Colorado Health Sciences campus, we will continue to evaluate other opportunities to serve Denver-area customers and expand access to affordable groceries.”

Fuqua’s plan to have Walmart as the anchor of the mixed-use project ran aground when City Councilwomen Mary Beth Susman and Jeanne Robb said they would not support tax-increment financing for the project. Fuqua needed the public financing to help pay for demolition and infrastructure.

That sent Fuqua back to the drawing board with plans to evaluate financial restructuring of the project.

John Mossman: 303-954-1479, jmossman@denverpost.com