Work still stalled on Oswestry leisure complex bid
Work is unlikely to resume any time soon on a multi-million pound leisure and retail development in Oswestry, according to Morrisons, the supermarket chain involved.
The £45 million Smithfield scheme on the site of the town's former livestock market stalled in May after Morrisons raised concerns over "uncertainties" with cinema chain Cineworld, which could leave the whole scheme in doubt.
Sarah Atta, spokeswoman for Morrisons plc, said there is "no further update" on the project at the moment.
The complex was expected to open in 2016. However work stopped due to planning conditions which specified that the infrastructure and cinema must be completed before the supermarket is opened.
Councillor Peter Cherrington, the mayor of Oswestry, said: "As far as we're aware at the present time, it's up to Morrisons to move things along. I'm sure there's going to be more meetings before anything happens. We're hoping there's going to be some outcome soon.
"The original plans for the site included McDonald's and Frankie & Benny's, and the cinema. It's not just one thing that needs sorting and it's not down to us. The contracts were all down to Morrisons."
Councillor Cherrington said members of the town council have been meeting with tourism groups in the town to see how to promote the town as a destination this summer.
He said while the delay in the Smithfield development was unfortunate, it didn't seem to be having any negative impact on visitor numbers.
"We advertise Oswestry and we shout about the good things we've got," he said.
"We often do hit about our height for such a little town. There's lots going for Oswestry, even without a cinema."
