Supermarket giant Asda is calling on the people of Beeston to provide feedback on its plans for a brand new store – which they claim will regenerate a prominent disused industrial site and provide 140 new jobs.
The calls follow Tesco’s claim earlier this month to have the support of the local community in their bid to build a store in the area – see our original ‘store wars’ post at the time. Both supermarket giants are hoping to build new stores in the area, with Tesco pledging 140 new jobs in a planning application lodged in September 2010.
Asda currently runs a small outlet employing 30 colleagues in a former Netto store on Old Lane. Last year it submitted a planning application to transform the site and open a 20,000 sq ft store.
The planning application was lodged in October 2011 and Asda says it has been working closely with the community since then to help shape its plans. If approved, the new store will be the first of its kind in Beeston, which means people will no longer have to travel into the city centre and beyond to do their weekly shop.
Asda’s plans will see the current store demolished and a new store created on the same site. Featuring landscaped car parking, the plans will provide a much-improved view for residents and will turn old industrial land into an attractive location.
If approved, customers can expect to find an expanded selection of Asda’s popular range of own label brands, including Chosen by You, Smart Price and Extra Special, as well as a new George clothing department.
The planning process is set to be decided in the next few months, alongside that of an application lodged by Tesco, which has plans for a smaller store on a neighbouring site.
Philip Bartram, Asda’s senior property communications manager, said:
“We are already a part of the community in Beeston, and have the support of many local residents and key stakeholders.
“Asda made a commitment to the people of Beeston last year when converting the Netto store. We now want to bring a much bigger and better store to the community, which will deliver an additional 140 jobs and help boost the local economy. It will be good for shoppers and good for Beeston, helping regenerate a derelict site and providing more choice for local people.
“A decision about the plans is expected soon, and we would urge shoppers and locals to let us know their thoughts about the proposals. A dedicated website has been set up where people can find out more and people can also leave feedback in store.”
Bartram claims the new store would strongly encourage shoppers to stay local, retaining trade within Beeston and the immediate area. This would result in a significant long-term boost to the local economy.
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Richard Anderson, a consultant for Asda, recently posted in the comments section of our original ‘store wars’ post:
“As a consultant to ASDA, working on the company’s new store plans on Old Lane, I am pleased to report on ASDA’s behalf that we have in fact now agreed to the list of conditions requested by Beeston Community Forum.
“As such, the Forum is now hopefully in a position to be able to withdraw its previous holding objection, meaning that both ASDA and Tesco are in the same position on that front.
“We very much look forward to hearing soon from the Forum that this is the case.”
Residents group Beeston Community Forum will next meet on Thursday 7th June at 7.30pm at Beeston Village Community Centre, St. Anthony’s Drive.
South Leeds Life reported earlier this month how pupils at Hugh Gaitskell Primary School in Beeston have been getting green-fingered with the help of Asda.
For further information about the Asda proposal and Beeston community projects, or to register your views, visit www.asdabeeston.com.
Here’s a link to Asda’s formal planning application for Beeston. Here’s a link to information about Tesco’s rival proposal: http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=59102
