Asda to create 350 jobs at new Cumbrian superstore
Last updated at 16:14, Wednesday, 03 February 2010
Up to 350 jobs will be created at a new Asda superstore in Cumbria.
The firm has announced that it will move into Workington's Dunmail Park in a new 38,000 square feet store by next winter.
But the decision is a bitter blow for Whitehaven, which had harboured hopes of wooing the shopping giant.
The firm pulled out of a £20 million move to Whitehaven’s Ginns site in 2008 but there still seemed to be interest from the company last year.
Adrian Pavey, former chairman of Whitehaven Chamber of Trade, said: “It’s a shame they [Workington] have got one over on us. I was maybe a lone voice but I said I would welcome a big retailer in our town.
"This is bad news and just another reason for people to go to Workington rather than Whitehaven.”
Bob Collins, Copeland council’s interim assistant regeneration director, said: “We are obviously disappointed but developments in Workington should not necessarily have to mean a negative impact on Whitehaven’s economy.
“Our own regeneration projects like Albion Square, the Pow Beck Valley development and the planned new bigger Tesco will all increase the footfall in the town and attract inward investment for retail."
The Workington store will stock a full range of Asda products, including the George clothing range and will operate the existing petrol station at the Maryport Road site.
Philip Bartram, property communications manager for Asda, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our plans for a new Asda store in Workington.
"Our plans will create up to 350 new full and part time jobs in the local community and Asda will set up a local employment partnership, targeting local job seekers.
"We are excited to be opening our first store in Workington and we’re looking forward to meeting our new customers later this year.”
Bill Dixon, director of Dunmail Park, said: "Asda’s development is a massive coup for West Cumbria creating hundreds of jobs and providing more choice for local shoppers.
"We are relocating units at Dunmail Park to enable the development to proceed.
"The Asda store will massively increase footfall at Dunmail Park and traders and customers alike will be thrilled by this fantastic news.
"The world’s largest retail group is showing its confidence in West Cumbria by making this major investment.”
The firm - owned by Walmart - wanted to open a store on The Cloffocks and got into a bidding war with Tesco over the six acre Laundry Field site.
Despite offering £18.5 million, land owner Allerdale council named Tesco as its preferred partner for the development, which paid £18m for the site.
A planning application for the Tesco store was submitted last year.
First published at 11:21, Wednesday, 03 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
To Gerrard Richardson, I'll tell you what went wrong with Asda's plans for a Whitehaven store, Copeland Council's greed, that's what. As usual Whitehaven gets left behind thanks to our useless council!!! Whitehaven will never move forward as long as that lot are running things, They are too busy wasting tax payers money on things that the public don't want like that hiddeous work outside the civic hall. It's better shops we want, not art! ROLL ON THE ELECTIONS!!
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Will the car park be extended, if it will employee 350 which I presumme will be a mix of part & full time, where is the extra parking going to be.
Oh and glad to see Asda arriving here some good news in our area afterall the bad in previous months
Posted by MARY Dunn on 9 February 2010 at 17:11