Menu
28/03/2011
Tesco's Banbridge Store Approved
Not everyone has welcomed news that the supermarket giant, Tesco has been given the go-ahead to build a large store at the Bridgewater Retail Park, Banbridge.
Even though it will be part of a development which will include retail warehouses and create hundreds of jobs, smaller traders are worried about the impact on their businesses.
Though not as big as the retailer had hoped, the new store will still be one of the largest in NI.
This is because two previous planning applications were rejected and objectors had said the development would damage Banbridge town centre.
Tesco first submitted plans in 2007 and presented an amended scheme in 2008, which slightly reduced the size of the proposed store.
Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots commented: "This is great news for Banbridge. It represents major inward investment and will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the area, including nearly 400 new jobs.
"With the site's excellent road linkages, this development will boost visitor numbers to the area by enhancing the retail offer that exists at Bridgewater Park."
However, the Northern Ireland Retail Traders Association reacted angrily to the announcement, warning Banbridge could end up as a "tumbleweed town".
Chief Executive Glyn Roberts commented: "It's not good news. I think it's a very bad decision and effectively it is the last decision of this outgoing environment minister to give Banbridge town centre and its traders a P45. We need to nail this myth about all these jobs that they are bringing. These jobs will be displaced or destroyed jobs from Banbridge town centre," he said.
"I think that this is a hammer blow for Banbridge."
Elsewhere, Tesco is set to finally demolish the Glengormley Northcott complex - which it anchors - after Easter to make way for a delayed project to rebuild the ageing facility.
(JG/KMcA)
Even though it will be part of a development which will include retail warehouses and create hundreds of jobs, smaller traders are worried about the impact on their businesses.
Though not as big as the retailer had hoped, the new store will still be one of the largest in NI.
This is because two previous planning applications were rejected and objectors had said the development would damage Banbridge town centre.
Tesco first submitted plans in 2007 and presented an amended scheme in 2008, which slightly reduced the size of the proposed store.
Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots commented: "This is great news for Banbridge. It represents major inward investment and will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the area, including nearly 400 new jobs.
"With the site's excellent road linkages, this development will boost visitor numbers to the area by enhancing the retail offer that exists at Bridgewater Park."
However, the Northern Ireland Retail Traders Association reacted angrily to the announcement, warning Banbridge could end up as a "tumbleweed town".
Chief Executive Glyn Roberts commented: "It's not good news. I think it's a very bad decision and effectively it is the last decision of this outgoing environment minister to give Banbridge town centre and its traders a P45. We need to nail this myth about all these jobs that they are bringing. These jobs will be displaced or destroyed jobs from Banbridge town centre," he said.
"I think that this is a hammer blow for Banbridge."
Elsewhere, Tesco is set to finally demolish the Glengormley Northcott complex - which it anchors - after Easter to make way for a delayed project to rebuild the ageing facility.
(JG/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 April 2010
Banbridge Wants Tesco Project 'In Town'
Traders in a busy Co Down town are hoping for new jobs by backing an expansion project by Tesco - provided it keeps to its original proposal - at its current central location.
Banbridge Wants Tesco Project 'In Town'
Traders in a busy Co Down town are hoping for new jobs by backing an expansion project by Tesco - provided it keeps to its original proposal - at its current central location.
03 July 2012
Dobson Welcomes Decision To Withdraw Legal Action Against Tesco Store
Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has welcomed the decision by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Traders Association (NIIRTA) to withdraw its Judicial Review application against the proposed out of town Tesco store at Bridgewater Park in Banbridge.
Dobson Welcomes Decision To Withdraw Legal Action Against Tesco Store
Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has welcomed the decision by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Traders Association (NIIRTA) to withdraw its Judicial Review application against the proposed out of town Tesco store at Bridgewater Park in Banbridge.
12 March 2009
German Airline Deal Takes Off For Bombardier
A local aircraft manufacturer is flying high today with news of a major international contract - which is also boosting jobs.
German Airline Deal Takes Off For Bombardier
A local aircraft manufacturer is flying high today with news of a major international contract - which is also boosting jobs.
02 March 2011
Asda's 'Straw Poll' Welcomes Store
One of the world's largest supermarkets is hoping that it won't be facing a fight to win planning permission for a new Co Down store. Asda has carried out a poll during a recent two-day open exhibition of its Newry Road plans for Banbridge.
Asda's 'Straw Poll' Welcomes Store
One of the world's largest supermarkets is hoping that it won't be facing a fight to win planning permission for a new Co Down store. Asda has carried out a poll during a recent two-day open exhibition of its Newry Road plans for Banbridge.
04 March 2019
Retail Experts To Hold Business Masterclass
Leading retail experts in customer experience, digital marketing and visual merchandising are set to share their knowledge and experience in a bid to help local retailers grow their businesses.
Retail Experts To Hold Business Masterclass
Leading retail experts in customer experience, digital marketing and visual merchandising are set to share their knowledge and experience in a bid to help local retailers grow their businesses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
