Asda plans to create 400 jobs with new supermarket in Longton
SUPERMARKET giant Asda has revealed plans to build a new store creating up to 400 jobs.
It hopes to transform the former Somerfield site in Longton with a regeneration scheme which could include additional industrial units or even leisure facilities.
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If all goes to plan, a planning application will be submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in the new year.
Now Barlows Holdings Limited, the company asked to develop the Spring Garden Road site for Asda, is asking residents for their views on the scheme before finalising the designs.
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The proposed superstore will include underground parking facilities, with 400 car parking spaces for shoppers.
Barlows Holdings says the rest of the site will be developed for mixed-use.
The plans will also incorporate new pedestrian routes and improved public transport links to and from the site, which lies on the approach to Longton town centre, close to Dresden.
Charles Shepherd, property director for Barlows Holdings Limited, said: "It is important that this gateway site is brought back to proper use and we hope that our proposals will be met with local support.
"Despite difficult economic times, this project will bring up to 400 jobs and much needed regeneration to Longton.
"We will be consulting with local residents, councillors and businesses over the next few weeks to let them feed back on our proposals."
The site currently houses Willow Bank Surgery along with a small number of independent businesses. The developer plans to either move these companies, including the GP surgery, or rebuild them on the site.
A survey by the company showed that of 1,000 people questioned, 94 per cent would like to see the increasingly disused site brought back to use. The survey also showed that 75 per cent of people polled believe Longton needs a greater shopping choice.
Richard Cresswell, vice-chairman of Longton Chamber of Trade and owner of ironmongers RD Cresswell and Co, said: "It will bring more people into Longton and provide competition for Tesco. As much as people complain about Tesco, it does bring people into the town.
"Some people may complain about it being an out-of-town centre development, but they should be pleased something is happening."
Dave Bate, owner of Cafe Continental, said: "It's another big name for Longton which will bring people in."
The announcement comes as construction work progresses on St Modwen's £8 million Phoenix Retail Park, on the east bound approach to the Longton. Smyths Toys, McDonald's and Pets@Home will move in there.
Shopper Paul Beattie, aged 38, of Goms Mill Road, Longton, welcomed the news. He said: "I don't think we need a supermarket, but we do need jobs."
Tracy Kelsall, aged 35, also of Goms Mill Road, said: "That site needs something doing with it, it's a mess."
A spokesman for Asda said about 300 new jobs would be in the store, with the remaining 100 or so based in other parts of the development.
He said: "We're very excited about the prospect of coming to Longton."
Comments
by senseisteve
Monday, November 07 2011, 11:15AM
“If we are to have another supermarket is this area ... than couldn't it be on the derelict Shires Bathroom site .... better access off the A50 ... better access to Weston Coyney and beyond ... an attempt to regenrate the Sutherland Road / Uttoxeter Rd corridor that is effectively derelict ....
Or would that be a bit too much like hard work ?”
by senseisteve
Monday, November 07 2011, 11:08AM
“If we are to have another supermarket is this area ... than couldn't it be on the derelict Shires Bathroom site .... better access off the A50 ... better access to Weston Coyney and beyond ... an attempt to regenrate the Sutherland Road / Uttoxeter Rd corridor that is effectively derelict ....
Or would that be a bit too much like hard work ?”
by senseisteve
Monday, November 07 2011, 10:49AM
“If we are to have another supermarket is this area ... than couldn't it be on the derelict Shires Bathroom site .... better access off the A50 ... better access to Weston Coyney and beyond ... an attempt to regenrate the Sutherland Road / Uttoxeter Rd corridor that is effectively derelict ....
Or would that be a bit too much like hard work ?”
by senseisteve
Monday, November 07 2011, 10:46AM
“If we are to have another supermarket is this area ... than couldn't it be on the derelict Shires Bathroom site .... better access off the A50 ... better access to Weston Coyney and beyond ... an attempt to regenrate the Sutherland Road / Uttoxeter Rd corridor that is effectively derelict ....
Or would that be a bit too much like hard work ?”
by slimdisc
Sunday, November 06 2011, 3:10PM
“This country needs to manufacture goods. Opening more shops in which to spend money we have not got is plain stupid. How many of these jobs are part time? Do any of these jobs pay more than basic minimum wage?”
by stevenweiss
Saturday, November 05 2011, 6:59PM
“Low paid jobs on a site of a former failed supermarket on the site of a failed pottery. And the Sentinel are crowing about it like it's the Second Coming.”
by mousey32
Saturday, November 05 2011, 3:55PM
“Not another supermarket well suppose if not that it would be houses, which would not sell in rundown longton.”
by warren46
Thursday, November 03 2011, 6:55PM
“Sounds fine, but I'm with Wilshawj, more then just a superstore is needed in Longton. Lets look at a decent meeting place and maybe a cinema, and lets look at the road lay out in the area as well, its not good round that site. Can they not adapt the buildings anyway, its not that old nd it would be better then sending the ball in again.”
by wilshawj
Thursday, November 03 2011, 2:19PM
“A new supermarket ,a new cinema complex housing other activities.That is what we all want for Longton.Go ahead Asda and build to enhance the facilities ,but planners ,dont forget it isnt only supermarkets which pull the punters.Good entertainment and leisure also pull them in,and we have been starved in this area for so long.J W Longton”
by Dizzy1960
Thursday, November 03 2011, 2:09PM
“Is it me, or is the only prospect for our city's development retail, food outlets and distribution? Because that seems to be the plans for the regeneration of this once prosperous city or, "are we only here to make others prosperous"! Over the last few years, major food outlets have sprung up all over the place, which puts added pressure on the local business man and reduces their income in many cases, unless they go BUST. Or is that their plan? To keep the serfs of this once great city, as serfs and working to survive! At least we'll have these outlets to provide us with employment, a choice of outlet and food to help us to survive. Although that's what you will only be doing, surviving. After those in a position to manipulate you have had their share.
I am also concerned regarding the regeneration of Stoke-upon-Trent and its future generations. This ancient town of ours has been manipulated by those in a position of power for century' and if the planned development for its future generations goes ahead, the only ones to benefit will be the GIMP' – Geezers Involved in Manipulating the People for GREED. Because the oiks we have in our council, are always prepared to dance to the tune of the GIMP' for BONUSES. Besides, another food outlet, no wonder this city is high on the obesity scale. Or are they getting ready for a boom in housing development around the city?
Stoke-upon-Trent can expect both. Tesco's on the Spode site which seems to be the only option available to our council and therefore, its residents. With housing for London Rd, Yeoman St, Booth St, Boothen Rd and Boothen Old Rd (Victoria Ground), which I in part, disagree with. The majority of this area was once the 11 acre site called Stoke Victoria and was developed to provide entertainment for the chosen few with sporting facilities, and accommodated a cricket ground, athletics track, cycle track, tennis courts and a race course with stabling and parade area. With also a secure area for hounds, housed for the barbaric sport fox-hunting. Stoke City Football Club eventually amalgamated with the athletic club in 1878 after relocating from their second home (Sweeting's Field - land behind the Victoria pub and formerly known as Stoke farm) to the present Victoria Ground. This was a new development, after the athletic club relocated in 1876 from the plot of land associated with Stoke Hall (housing of Selwyn, Cornwallis, Butler, MacClagan, Stamer, Woodhouse and Lonsdale St'), which now occupies a quarter of the Stoke Victoria Cricket Club Ground. OS Map of Stoke-upon-Trent South in 1898 clearly shows that Stoke Hall at that time was still standing and eventually became an extension of the Tram Depot located opposite on Woodhouse St. According to the Title Deeds, the conveyance of 1881 undertaken for the housing development, the architectural wooden structures to the entrance of the hall should have been preserved. But the preservation of old structures relating to our heritage isn't our council's directive. Destruction is the order of the day and has been for a while. Especially if it can give it some identity!
Apark@Stoke4LUZ
Honi soit qui mal y pense”