By Margaret Canning
Friday, 18 July 2008
Tesco has bought a shopping centre in Co Armagh in what is believed to be a first for the supermarket giant’s operations in Northern Ireland.
The company is negotiating with tenants of the Meadows Centre in Portadown, which include Next, Specsavers Opticians, JJB Sports and Eason, and has submitted a planning application to modernise and extend the site.
A Tesco spokeswoman said its plans for Portadown could create jobs during building work at the centre, on Meadow Lane on the edge of the town, and 130 jobs if an extended supermarket opens.
It is believed Tesco wishes to double the size of the store to 90,000 sq ft and broaden the range of goods on sale. A glass atrium containing moving walkways will link a new car park with the shopping centre.
While some tenants are expected to relocate within the centre to accommodate Tesco’s growth, the company said none would have to make a complete move.
A number of tenants yesterday said they were aware of the development, but a spokeswoman for the Centre manager said: “We are not aware of the situation.”
Colin Hampsey, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, 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.
“I would also like to confirm that we will be able to accommodate all existing tenants within this fantastic redevelopment of the Meadows Centre.”
Tesco intends to build a single- decked car park to increase the car parking spaces from 660 to 900.
The manager of one tenant shop yesterday said it was hoped that an extended Tesco would attract more shoppers to the site.
It is believed to be the first shopping centre containing other tenants which Tesco has bought in Northern Ireland.
A planning application by Tesco to build a 130,000 sq ft shopping centre at Bridgewater Park outside Banbridge was rejected in June.
The application was opposed by traders, who said an enlarged Tesco would divert custom from smaller traders in the town.
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