ASDA proposes improvements to its Bridgwater store

ASDA has unveiled plans to improve its Bridgwater store and is inviting local customers to view the proposals at a public exhibition next week.

The proposed changes, including a new mezzanine floor, customer cafe and extra car parking - will benefit shoppers and create 100 - 150 new jobs for the town.

The new 26,000 sq ft (gross) first floor mezzanine level, to be created within the existing store and accessed via a travelator, will enable the store to offer greater ranges of its food and non-food products, as well as the introduction of the new customer café.

The external improvements to the store site will include the creation of 100 additional parking spaces on a newly created car park deck and the development of a small number of residential dwellings. The proposed residential area will be on a site opposite the store currently occupied by a derelict doctors’ surgery.

The proposals are at an early stage and local people are invited to give their views at the public exhibition, to be held at ASDA Bridgwater on Friday 16th November (2pm – 8pm) and Saturday 17th November (10am – 3pm).

ASDA then hopes to submit a planning application to Sedgemoor District Council in early 2008.

 

Allison Darling, ASDA Property Communications Manager, said: “The proposed changes to the site aim to improve the overall product offer available and enhance the shopping experience for customers. It’s important that we understand the views of the local community before we submit a planning application, so we are holding a public exhibition at the store next week. This will provide the opportunity for people to gain an understanding about the proposals, ask any questions they may have and to feed back their thoughts.

“The new mezzanine floor will allow us to expand our fresh food ranges, as well as the popular George clothing and homeware products. We also look forward to hearing what our customers would like to see within the new-look store.”

If planning permission is granted, the expansion work to the store and car park would take place in 2008, while the proposed residential development would take place in a second phase of works at a later date.

ASDA is dedicated to integrating with its surrounding communities and prides itself on local initiatives, such as a commitment to sourcing local produce. Activities such as this provide support to local businesses and help to reduce the number of food road miles and the associated environmental impact of carbon emissions. ASDA also continually strives to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and aims to ensure that all waste relating to its activities is recycled, reused or composted by 2010.

The company is consistently named as one the UK’s top employers and is one of Britain’s biggest employers of the over 50s. The 100 - 150 new jobs at the Bridgwater store will include a range of roles, with full development and training opportunities on offer to colleagues.

For further information regarding the proposed store visit www.asdabridgwater.co.uk

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