Tesco's £20m Whitehaven store 'will go ahead’
Last updated at 11:47, Thursday, 05 July 2012
TESCO still plans to go ahead with its £20 million Whitehaven superstore – despite rumours that it will be dropped.
The supermarket giants dismissed speculation yesterday that the harbourside expansion is falling victim of the country’s economic downturn.
Tesco corporate affairs boss Doug Wilson said: “Our plans are progressing for the new store.”
Two of the town’s major regeneration schemes – Pow Beck sports stadium and Transport Interchange – have hit major setbacks. And with the Whitehaven store development already delayed by several months rumours have increased over whether Tesco still considered it viable, especially as £1 million is being spent on revitalising the present supermarket.
Mr Wilson stressed: “We are committed to further improving the shopping experience for our customers and investing in Whitehaven.”
Some 150 new jobs have been promised on top of the existing 270 but uncertainty remains over when building will start.
Confusion over planning permission was removed this week. Tesco does have full permission to build the store, consent has not run out this month. Mr Wilson explained: “We carried out some work on site last year, which is a lawful start, and this means the consent is still live.”
Land deals between Tesco and the council were completed some time ago to pave the way for the store which will be built on stilts and double the present size.
Copeland Council’s regeneration executive councillor Phil Greatorex said: “I understand from Tesco that they will be coming to speak to our senior officers to discuss their plans.
“I know the delays have been frustrating for Whitehaven but it all seems to be very positive and means we can co-ordinate the best use of land in and around the town.
“A development and investment on this scale has to be hugely welcome, as well as its own economic benefits and job creation it helps bring momentum and confidence when it is needed.
“While we talk about being on the cusp of nuclear renaissance and the benefits new build should eventually bring people like to see things happening on the ground.”
First published at 11:13, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
Sorry - will still believe it when I see it - if it happens in my lifetime that is!
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Tesco's offer to give us a new shop in the town and the loony tunes start running around beating up anyone who supports them!!! What planet are you on? Good on ya Tesco's!! Build us one here in Egremont whilst your at it, preferably on top of the troglodytes!!!
Posted by Ken Percival on 6 July 2012 at 18:25