Post by admin on Sept 1, 2006 22:09:35 GMT 1
A CLASH of the titans looks set to erupt in the Valley after it was revealed that Tesco is to open a new supermarket at the old Asda site in Rawtenstall.
The move was uncovered by the Free Press after workers appeared at the Bocholt Way store last week and the site – vacated by Asda less than a month ago – was fenced off.
Rumours were rife that it was being refitted by a new owner.
And this week Tesco, which opened its Haslingden store just over a year ago, confirmed the building would house a second Rossendale outlet – and plans were in the pipeline to develop the site into a larger store.
A spokesman said: ‘I can confirm that we have purchased the store and that our intention is to develop the site into a 40,000 sq ft food store subject to planning conditions.
‘We expect the application to go in fairly shortly and it will then be open to the normal planning process.’
The refitted store is expected to open in November, in time for Christmas shopping; Tesco bosses say it will not affect the Haslingden store.
Tesco bought the property from Peel Developments Ltd, which previously gained outline planning permission to knock down the existing store and replace it with a £10M supermarket on stilts.
But when Peel later applied for planning permission to replace the store with six non-food retail units, it appeared a new supermarket was no longer an option for the site.
The news that Tesco is coming to town is sure to come as blow to Asda, which has invested £22M in its huge new store on nearby St Mary’s Way – although the firm played down any concerns.
A spokeswoman said: ‘We are not worried at all. Everyone likes healthy competition and we wish them the best of luck.
‘We have got a brand new store down the road which is trading well and is very popular.
‘I think customers will vote with their feet where they want to shop.’
But Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce fears the town centre will lose out as the two giants slug it out.
Vice-president Clive Balchin said: ‘The reason they are doing this is for market share.
‘Usually, if you are in business it is all about commercial competitiveness, but here it seems to be about the big boys playing games with each other and it will be the community that will suffer.
‘The non-food retail units would have allowed people to come in and park up, but it is not going to work like that now.
‘It is a gloomy day for the town.’
Councillor David Hanthingy, leader of Rossendale Council’s Labour group, disagreed.
He argued that Tesco’s long-term interest in the site would benefit Valley residents.
Explaining his only fear was that a second supermarket would exacerbate traffic problems in the area, he said: ‘Tesco has wanted this site for a long time.
‘It had the application on Newhallhey turned down a few years ago, but clearly still had ambitions in the town.
‘Hopefully, the competition will keep prices down for the people of Rossendale.’
George Oliver
First published by the Rossendale Free Press
www.therossendalefreepress.co.uk
The move was uncovered by the Free Press after workers appeared at the Bocholt Way store last week and the site – vacated by Asda less than a month ago – was fenced off.
Rumours were rife that it was being refitted by a new owner.
And this week Tesco, which opened its Haslingden store just over a year ago, confirmed the building would house a second Rossendale outlet – and plans were in the pipeline to develop the site into a larger store.
A spokesman said: ‘I can confirm that we have purchased the store and that our intention is to develop the site into a 40,000 sq ft food store subject to planning conditions.
‘We expect the application to go in fairly shortly and it will then be open to the normal planning process.’
The refitted store is expected to open in November, in time for Christmas shopping; Tesco bosses say it will not affect the Haslingden store.
Tesco bought the property from Peel Developments Ltd, which previously gained outline planning permission to knock down the existing store and replace it with a £10M supermarket on stilts.
But when Peel later applied for planning permission to replace the store with six non-food retail units, it appeared a new supermarket was no longer an option for the site.
The news that Tesco is coming to town is sure to come as blow to Asda, which has invested £22M in its huge new store on nearby St Mary’s Way – although the firm played down any concerns.
A spokeswoman said: ‘We are not worried at all. Everyone likes healthy competition and we wish them the best of luck.
‘We have got a brand new store down the road which is trading well and is very popular.
‘I think customers will vote with their feet where they want to shop.’
But Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce fears the town centre will lose out as the two giants slug it out.
Vice-president Clive Balchin said: ‘The reason they are doing this is for market share.
‘Usually, if you are in business it is all about commercial competitiveness, but here it seems to be about the big boys playing games with each other and it will be the community that will suffer.
‘The non-food retail units would have allowed people to come in and park up, but it is not going to work like that now.
‘It is a gloomy day for the town.’
Councillor David Hanthingy, leader of Rossendale Council’s Labour group, disagreed.
He argued that Tesco’s long-term interest in the site would benefit Valley residents.
Explaining his only fear was that a second supermarket would exacerbate traffic problems in the area, he said: ‘Tesco has wanted this site for a long time.
‘It had the application on Newhallhey turned down a few years ago, but clearly still had ambitions in the town.
‘Hopefully, the competition will keep prices down for the people of Rossendale.’
George Oliver
First published by the Rossendale Free Press
www.therossendalefreepress.co.uk