Council upbeat following foodstore interest

Plans to deliver a major supermarket development in Caldicot took a major step forward last week, as six companies met the deadline for expressions of interest in the site alongside Woodstock Way.

Coming a week after the council's Cabinet ended speculation about the future of the scheme by approving disposal of the site, the strong response to the advertisement has left the council upbeat about the prospects for progress.

Councillor Bob Greenland, cabinet member for regeneration, said:

"This is great news for the people of Caldicot.

"Given the delays of recent months, and uncertainty of advertising the site in the current climate, we are delighted with the positive response received. We will now embark on a thorough shortlisting process, with a view to seeking design and financial proposals in due course."

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) advertised the site before Christmas, with the opportunity to provide:

*           A foodstore of up to 40,000 sq ft

*           261 car parking spaces

*           Pedestrianisation of Woodstock Way

*           Creation of new access road to join Woodstock Way and Chepstow Road

*           Enhanced linkages to the town centre

*           Public Realm Improvements

MCC believes that the development will not only meet a need identified in retail studies, but will stimulate investment and improvements in the wider town centre.

Tim Macdermott, Area Manager for the Mor Hafren area, said:

"This is the positive news we need. Everyone in the council realises that there is a lot of hard work yet to be done. But this is progress.

"In particular, we need to explore with partners in the town, measures to ensure the town maximises the benefit from the hoped for foodstore development. We are currently considering options for partnership working that will deliver town centre initiatives to complement the foodstore development."

Bob Greenland said:

"With the expectation that the current planning application will be heard in the spring, there is a genuine feeling of momentum surrounding the delivery of this much needed project. If approved, the new supermarket will bring shoppers back into the town centre, as well as resulting in valuable employment opportunities for Caldicot residents."