Jobs hope in rival plans
A rival proposal for a major retail and leisure development in Oswestry has been put forward - which could create about 500 jobs.
A rival proposal for a major retail and leisure development in Oswestry has been put forward - which could create about 500 jobs.
A supermarket, cinema, DIY store and health and residential care facilities are now being proposed for the Richard Burbidge Ltd manufacturing and distribution sites in Whittington Road and Unicorn Road.
Consultation on the scheme takes place next week.
The plans follow huge opposition to proposals by developers Liberty Mercian Ltd for a similar scheme at the town's livestock market site, which many say will take trade out of the town centre.
Only one site in the town will be developed for the retail and leisure park.
Residents will now have a chance to look at the Richard Burbidge proposals and have their say.
Chief executive of Richard Burbidge Ltd, Steve Underhill, said: "We have identified a number of suitable sites for a new factory in Oswestry. We are the town's largest employer with over 400 employees and are committed to staying in Oswestry.
"Such a move will allow the company to remain competitive in its market place and provide opportunities for future growth. However any move has to be funded by developing our existing sites."
The plans include a major new supermarket and petrol filling station, five screen cinema, DIY store and associated garden centre as well as leisure or community uses in part of the listed Cambrian Works building.
Plans for the smaller site are in the early stages but discussions are taking place with the county's primary care trust to locate a new maternity facility, a close care and extra care facility for the elderly on the Whittington Road site.
Development consultant, Peter Vernon, said: "The Richard Burbidge sites are of sufficient size to accommodate much of the town's additional retail and leisure needs as well as an outstanding requirement by the PCT.
The sites are also located in a sequentially preferable location given their proximity to the town centre."
The consultation takes place at the Memorial Hall, Smithfield Street, on June 4 from 11am to 4pm and June 5 from 3pm to 8pm.
By Suzanne Roberts
