Morrisons Newport deal to create 250 new jobs
Supermarket giant Morrisons today confirmed it is planning to open a new store on the fringes of Newport, which would create up to 250 jobs.
The news came within hours of separate developers getting a go-ahead to convert a garden centre on the edge of town into another supermarket after Telford & Wrekin Council lost a High Court challenge.
One of the country's leading judges ruled Mere Park Garden Centre can sell any type of goods, paving the way for a new food store at the Stafford Road site.
Morrisons today said it hoped to open its 53,000sq ft 'Fresh Market' store in Audley Avenue next year.
Mark Thompson, Morrisons development executive, said: "Our Fresh Market concept store will bring choice to Newport while providing an alternative for people who are travelling out of town for their main food shopping.
A planning inspector gave a supermarket the go-ahead after an inquiry in May, though the council is challenging the decision.
Morrisons said it has today submitted a detailed planning application.
Meanwhile, Mere Park Garden Centre boss David Brierley said he was delighted with a High Court ruling yesterday which enables him to move forward with his plans.
It comes as a three-week public inquiry over a third council-backed scheme for a large Sainsbury's in Station Road continues.
