Work starts to convert former Shrewsbury retail park Argos store into supermarket
A new supermarket in a Shrewsbury retail park will create 40 jobs after plans were approved.
Unit seven at the Meole Brace Retail Park was formerly occupied by Argos before the retailer moved into nearby Sainsbury's after the company was acquired by the supermarket chain in 2016.
The shop next door to Sports Direct has since been left redundant, but work has begun after planning was approved by Shropshire Council for a new Food Warehouse store, which is part of the Iceland group.
The frozen food giant was granted permission for the sale of food and drink at the unit on April 23, and is advertising that the new store will open on August 13 from 8am.
An Iceland spokesperson said: "We’re excited to announce that a new The Food Warehouse Store will be opening its doors on Meole Brace Retail Park, Shrewsbury, on August 13th 2024.
“This new store will provide local residents with access to market-leading deals and big brand products, as well as offering new job opportunities to the community too. Those interested in working with us will be able to view all of the live roles available at icelandcareers.co.uk."
Plans by Iceland to adjust doors have also received approval, and the supermarket chain is waiting for decisions on their plans for the shopfront, signage, and for a mechanical plant and bin storage compound to be installed.
Iceland's planning application states that the new store will create 10 full-time jobs, and a further 30 part-time vacancies.
The frozen food giant's Food Warehouse stores are based on a 'warehouse-style format' and differ to the chain's high-street stores. Food Warehouse shops sell a range of items including seasonal goods, children's toys and small electrical products, as well as extended ranges of frozen food, and a wide selection of grocery products.
After opening their first store in this format in 2014, Iceland now has more than 150 Food Warehouse stores nationwide. Iceland's planning permission states that: "The Food Warehouse business model requires a minimum gross floorspace of 929 sqm."
The former Argos store measures a total of 1,521 sqm.
Shrewsbury currently has only one Iceland store on the Lancaster Retail Park
Meole Brace Retail Park sits approximately two kilometres from the county town's defined shopping area, and the new Food Warehouse shop will add to retailers including M&S, Halfords, TK Maxx, Curry's, Boots, Next and Home Bargains.
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