Morrisons tight-lipped over Newport store move news
Morrisons is leading the race to open a new supermarket on an industrial estate in Shropshire, it has emerged.
The retail giant is interested in opening a store in Audley Avenue in Newport, bosses confirmed today. A 33,000sq ft supermarket at the former Classic Furniture site has been given the go-ahead, but the decision is being challenged in the High Court by Telford & Wrekin Council.
Despite the uncertainty, talks have been ongoing with all of the 'big four' operators.
Indigo Planning, the agents for the scheme working on behalf of landowner David Tringham, said a deal with Morrisons was signed on Wednesday.
But Morrisons is remaining tight-lipped about the site.
A spokesman said: "Discussions around the site are ongoing."
Church Aston-based businessman Mr Tringham said he was keen for work to start as soon as possible.
Morrisons would not be drawn into discussions about the Audley Avenue site. But the firm recently opened a similar sized store in Lawley in Telford, which created 200 jobs.
Morrisons was also known to be interested in a site at Mere Park Garden Centre. A planning application was submitted last year for 19 Morrisons signs at the site. But the supermarket would not comment on that site today.
On January 29 a public inquiry is due to start to decide whether a much larger Sainsbury's in Station Road should go ahead.
That plan was passed by Telford & Wrekin Council, but called in by the secretary of state.
Experts say that if that superstore goes ahead, developments at Mere Park Garden Centre or Audley Avenue would not be viable.
The owner of Mere Park, David Brierley, is still waiting to hear the outcome of his High Court hearing.
Permission was granted for the site to sell food, but Telford and Wrekin Council challenged the decision.
