(l-r) Nikita Blizard (Tesco), Paul Batchelor (Haven resident), Zoe Day (Haven support worker), Akville Milkeviciuta (Store Manager), Barbara Howard (Haven Projrct Director), Rob Mynott (Haven resident), Lawrence Platt (Tesco).
Controversial Stevenage Tesco opens
Richard Young
Monday, January 16, 2012
11:04 AM
A neighbourhood supermarket that drew bitter opposition from shop owners and residents has opened.
The Tesco Express store at The Glebe shopping centre in Stevenage began trading on Friday after a refit at the former Chells Family Pub.
The decision by the supermarket chain to move into the building was opposed by campaigners who argued the store will drastically reduce trade at other shops at The Glebe, threatening businesses, as well as remove a valued pub from the neighbourhood.
The store, which will open from 6am to 11pm seven days a week, was officially opened by Barbara Howard, project director of homeless charity Stevenage Haven, who cut a ceremonial ribbon. Tesco donated £500 to the charity.
Store manager Akville Milkeviciute said: “My team and I are looking forward to welcoming our customers into the new store and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community.”
6 comments
How is this 'Controversial'? It's great news for residents who will now be able to get all manner of quality goods from under one roof. I live between the town and the Glebe so it's even beneficial for me to go there rather than trapse into the busy town centre, or go to my local, highly priced petrol station. Couple this with the fact that most of the shop owners in the Glebe are grumpy and smileless. Viva la Tesco.
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Bertie
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The change from the former pub on this site to the new Tesco did not need any planning permission. So, the council were not involved in that aspect. The only planning considerations were a few minor changes concerning signage and a cash machine and the frontage, which did not need to go to any planning committee. Having sold the freeehold of the site a few years ago, the council were totally unable to prevent this store opening. However that decision was made by officials and local councillors were not told about it prior to the event, or involved in any way with that decision.
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Robin
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The change from the former pub on this site to the new Tesco did not need any planning permission. So, the council were not involved in that aspect. The only planning considerations were a few minor changes concerning signage and a cash machine and the frontage, which did not need to go to any planning committee. Having sold the freeehold of the site a few years ago, the council were totally unable to prevent this store opening. However that decision was made by officials and local councillors were not told about it prior to the event, or involved in any way with that decision.
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Robin
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The change from the former pub on this site to the new Tesco did not need any planning permission. So, the council were not involved in that aspect. The only planning considerations were a few minor changes concerning signage and a cash machine and the frontage, which did not need to go to any planning committee. Having sold the freeehold of the site a few years ago, the council were totally unable to prevent this store opening. However that decision was made by officials and local councillors were not told about it prior to the event, or involved in any way with that decision.
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Robin
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Just where is the benefit in granting planning permission for this store (Excluding the backhander for the Council)? The destruction of decent businesses in a well balanced parade & the loss of jobs?? Just how many Tesco's does this town need. I do not live or shop in the area but try driving past when two delivery artics are blocking Mobbsbury Way, was access considered at the planning meeting? Hang your heads in shame those who passed this.
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Keith B
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Firstly I do not live in the area served by The Glebe but was surprised to read that Tesco's application had been granted. Our first impressions centred on the destruction of another well balanced shopping parade by the UK's goliath. I blame the planners who as usual rolled over when Tesco came knocking for despite not residing in the area I have to drive past on occasion and try doing that when two Tesco artics park in Mobbsbury Way to offload. Was access not a consideration prior to making a decision, obviously not, after all Tesco could get away with murder provided they donate a few scraps to the local needy. I feel really sorry for the indipendent shopkeeper in the UK and now in Stevenage, the planning department should be hanging its head in shame.
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Keith B
Monday, January 16, 2012