Asda is coming to Barnstaple
A DEVELOPER has been lined up to help bring an Asda supermarket to Barnstaple town centre, it was confirmed this week.
Wessex Projects, led by Tim Jones, who is also the chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, has been engaged to manage the development of the Leaderflush Shapland site on the banks of the River Taw.
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Asda
Sam Richards from local PR and advertising agency Juice is the spokesman for Wessex Projects. He said the plan for the land, known as Anchorwood Bank, was still at an early stage. No contracts have been exchanged and no planning applications have been submitted.
SIG, the corporation which owns the local iconic doormaking firm Leaderflush Shapland, is working with Wessex Projects to develop a plan involving Asda.
No other retailers or businesses have been linked to the development.
Leaderflush Shapland had planned to move to a new factory in Roundswell before the housing market crash scuppered a housing development plan on its land, and a sale to Asda could allow a relocation, although nothing has been confirmed.
If Asda, which is owned by American firm Wal-Mart, submitted a planning application to build a supermarket on the site, it would be in addition to an existing plan for a new Tesco superstore in the town centre.
Tesco, which secretly bought Brian Ford's in 2003, has already lodged a plan to build a large two-storey Extra supermarket — less than half-a-mile from the Leaderflush site.
The Tesco plan has yet to be decided by North Devon Council.
A large town centre development would help to replenish North Devon Council's recession-depleted coffers.
North Devon Council leader Des Brailey (Cons) said he been pro-active in his support of Leaderflush and he would be happy to see the site redeveloped, subject to appropriate retail assessment and planning requirements.
7 Comments
by alan, barnstaple
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 7:23PM
“competiton always benefits the customer in the long term”
by Elaine, Barnstaple
Monday, November 09 2009, 10:09AM
“Dave of Ilfracombe does not seem to like Asda but people vote with their feet. I went to Asda at Bideford this morning and it was very busy in store. No parking spaces close to the store so it was up to the top car park. I don't think everyone was there to buy two tins of sweets for only £7 although they were "flying off of the shelves"!
The prawn sandwich I bought for my lunch was well filled with prawns and the sandwich was very fresh with no stale crusts so I can't agree that the quality of their food has gone downhill. As for the staff, I have always found them most helpful and willing to escort you to where any item you want to buy may be found. I like Asda!”
by j. causley, barnstaple
Friday, November 06 2009, 4:41PM
“we have enough supermarkets
in this town.The Anchor wood sight is ugley at the moment.It needs opening up. The two large buildings need to be pulled down.what about a nice retail shopping outlet,a new multiplex cinema and something to make the sight really attractive with no houses or pubs.we need things to draw the people from larger towns
please don't forget there is only one road to serve the whole area
.”
by Ellis, shebbear
Friday, November 06 2009, 11:32AM
“Why a supermarket? Why not a new cinema? After all the town centre one is very limiting for the disabled. there is very limited facilites there for the wheelchair bound. What about a second theatre with easier parking so some decent bands can play and shows can be seen without having to struggle to park in town.
There is so much MORE they can do with that site than to build yet another supermarket!”
by anon, local
Thursday, November 05 2009, 9:18PM
“MORRISONS definitely yes. Their food quality is good variations are excellent and also they cater for a large family or one on their own. They have good bargains down there and the staff are polite and very mannerly and always staff on the shop floor filling shelves etc. The bakery is fantastic so they have got a good baker working for them.
If Tescos do go ahead with the building on Brian Fords I cannot see that the Whddon Valley store will remain so any Managers/Directors of Morrisons keep your eyes and ears open and make an offer for the land!!!!!!!
I agree with Dave (Ilfracombe) Tescos is runned down in need of refurbishment and is now definitely outdated. The shelves are not filled up regularly and the store itself does not look inviting - very drab. With all the profits Tesco make where does it all go - certainly not on this store!!!!
MORRISONS you would be welcomed with open arms on this site!!!!!!!”
by Bernie, Barum
Thursday, November 05 2009, 9:10PM
“If Asda opening in Barnstaple means we will also get a petrol/diesel filling station it should break up the fuel price cartel which appears to have been operating in Barnstaple for some time.”
by Dave, Ilfracombe
Thursday, November 05 2009, 2:06PM
“I don't think that two huge supermarkets are needed on Severn Brethern, even if one is desperately needed.
Asda would be good in terms of variety, though the Bideford store has gone drastically downhill since opening, and the quality of their food is terrible, so I'm not too sure about them.
Tesco desperately need to replace their dated and congested Whiddon Valley store, though I'm not sure that they need two stores in the town - they could possibly open up their Extra store at Brian Fords and sell up their Whiddon Valley store?
For me, Sainsbury's is by far and away the best supermarket in Barnstaple - their choice and quality of goods is fantastic, though it can be very difficult to find a space and they only ever seem to have two tills open at a time.
I think that a large Morrisons store would be good - giving the variety that Asda would give but with better quality food, staff and prices - they could possibly take over the Tesco Whiddon Valley store?”