D-DAY has arrived for ambitious plans to redevelop a town’s shopping centre.
Supermarket chain Booths want to revamp Poulton’s Teanlowe Centre – and the plans look set to be approved today.
The firm’s multi-million pound proposal to transform part of the centre into a brand new food store and cafe and refurbish the rest of the existing mall to create larger stores is recommended for approval by Wyre Council’s planning committee today.
Graham Booth, Booth’s property director, said: “A redevelopment of the Teanlowe Centre would give us an opportunity to provide an up-to-date store including our full range of goods and services, as well as revitalising an important town centre facility which has become rather neglected.
“We are aware a good deal of retail trade leaves Poulton and takes place elsewhere.
“We look forward to our plans being approved and Poulton’s shoppers being able to do the majority of their shopping in their own town.”
Hundreds of letters of support have been received by residents keen to see the scheme – worth an estimated £20m – get the green light.
If it gets the go-ahead 80 jobs will be created in addition to the 70 staff currently employed at the existing Ball Street store.
Booths, which has submitted the application jointly with The Co-Op, would build a 37,155sq ft store, including a first-floor cafe.
Rival firm Dransfield Properties hopes to demolish the town’s neighbouring Market Hall and build an Asda supermarket in its place, and has objected to Booths’ scheme on the basis it would “reduce choice and competition”.
The meeting takes place at the town hall at 2pm today.