Leading supermarket group Tesco has gained approval to extend its plans for a new store in Shirebrook in Derbyshire, it has been confirmed today.
A 28,000, sq ft Tesco store was approved by Bolsover District Council in March 2010, after which the retail giant submitted a hybrid document for the same site proposing a larger 45,000 sq ft supermarket and 30,000 sq ft of additional retail space for other tenants, which has now been given the go ahead.
By acting as an anchor for a new retail development, it is hoped the superstore will drive retail traffic into the town and the new scheme incorporates the construction of 309 parking spaces.
A spokesperson for Tesco said: “This is an exciting time for Shirebrook, the fact that the council has granted planning permission shows their commitment to the local masterplan and we hope to become an important anchor in the town, bringing new retail space alongside our larger store.”
Plans for the extended scheme received significant local support according to Tesco, with 900 residents of Shirebrook backing the scheme which should create around 240 new jobs in the area.
While many retailers are looking to scale back their store operations to cut costs in this difficult period of trading, Tesco‘s continued expansion policy highlights the relative strength of the grocery sector and the fight for space which the larger supermarkets are currently embroiled in.
