Retail giant Tesco could be coming to Oswestry after the firm confirmed it was involved in one of three rival bids to build a new supermarket in the town.

The store giant has signed up to timber firm Richard Burbidge’s multi-million plans to relocate from its current site in Unicorn Road and Whittington Road and use the land for a new supermarket and cinema.

Developers behind the Burbidge plan today said Tesco would be the operator of the proposed supermarket and added a formal planning application had now been lodged with Oswestry Borough Council.

If the plan is given the go-ahead, a Tesco food store employing 230 people will be created alongside a five-screen multiplex cinema creating about 55 jobs.

Developers say the Tesco store will be an environmentally-friendly, low carbon and low energy building, while the scheme also includes a Tesco petrol filling station and car wash.

Two restaurants, bringing 30 jobs, would also be built.

In addition, two bays in the listed Cambrian Works railway building next door to Burbidge will be preserved and developed for community and leisure use, bringing a further 30 jobs.

About 60 jobs will be created during construction.

Richard Burbidge is in talks over an alternative site for its operations.

The Burbidge bid rivals plans by Liberty Mercia, in partnership with Oswestry Town Council to build a supermarket and cinema at the Smithfield site. 

JT Hughes and Guttercrest also plan to relocate and apply to build a food store in Victoria Road.