21/07/2008

Tesco Sets Sights On Armagh Shopping Centre

Leading UK supermarket Tesco has purchased an Armagh shopping centre, a move which is reportedly the chain's first such venture in the Province.

Plans for an extension at the Meadow Centre in Portadown have already been submitted, as the supermarket giant continues to negotiate with tenants, including Next, JJB Sports and Easons.

If the redevelopment gets the green light 130 new jobs could be created in the area, according to Tesco spokesperson, as well as many much needed jobs for the construction sector.

Tesco reportedly plans to double the floor space of the centre to 90,000 square feet.

The company also hopes to broaden the diversity of products in the centre.

Construction plans include a glass atrium containing moving walkways to link a new car park with the main shopping complex.

Tesco has insisted that no existing tenants will be required to completely leave the centre, but instead some may have to relocate within the complex.

Tenants have said they are aware of the development, but the centre management said have not commented on the proposals.

Tesco's Colin Hampsey said: "This investment will enable Tesco and the existing tenants to enhance and regenerate the centre offering customers a vibrant, modern shopping experience."

"The proposal will increase the size of our store, which is being facilitated by relocation of some tenants. Due to the way the shopping centre is currently laid out, all the work to the Tesco store will be carried out internally," he added.

Plans have also been submitted for a single-decked car park, which will increase parking capacity from 660 to 900.

It is thought that this move is the first time Tesco will manage an entire shopping complex in Northern Ireland.

However, Tesco are now the anchor tenant on the site of the former Springhill Shopping centre in Bangor, which was demolished last year.

In June, the planning authority rejected plans for a 13,000 square foot Tesco at Bridgewater Park near Banbridge.

See: Tesco's Banbridge Plans Get Axed

(PR)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 October 2010
Tesco Superstore To Get Underway
Hundreds of construction jobs are expected to be created following full planning approval for a new Tesco superstore. The store will be situated in Newtownards, north Down, on the site of the old Ards Abattoir off the Portaferry Road. The project, which includes a petrol station and parking spaces, will result in the creation of 200 retail jobs.
20 April 2011
Northcott Demolition Begins At Weekend
A supermarket project in Co Antrim will secure construction jobs for around 250 people at a time when the industry is struggling. As revealed exclusively on Tesco's Sandyknowes Centre Underway work started on the brand-new Tesco Extra and petrol filling station earlier this month.
05 November 2010
Work Set To Commence On Northcott
A new Tesco superstore proposed for Glengormley's neglected Northcott Shopping Centre several years ago might now be getting underway. Store staff have already been told they are to be re-located after Christmas as the demolition of the 35-year-old centre is to commence.
09 September 2005
Mid-Ulster regeneration on course says Minister
The regeneration plan for Lurgan and Portadown area is on course and will begin soon, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.
31 May 2011
Demolition Phase For Sandyknowes Centre
Demolition work is currently well advanced on the out-dated and dilapidated Northcott Shopping Centre in Glengormley. After weeks of uncertainty over a start date and a Tesco refusal to comment, the existing store closed at the end of April so that work could be started on the multi-million pound replacement Sandyknowes Shopping Centre.