New food store bad for area, says rival (From Daily Echo)

New food store bad for area, says rival

2:44pm Monday 19th November 2012 in News

A SUPERMARKET has demanded a rethink on plans to extend a shopping centre, saying it will damage existing retailers and cause a drop in footfall.

Fareham Borough Council has put forward a “master plan” for Locks Heath district centre, which includes two options for a major makeover, including a new swimming pool.

Both alternatives include a plan to put a large new superstore on the site.

But the Co-operative Group, which has had a store at the centre for 30 years, says the proposals will be bad for the area.

Operations manager Nigel Wicks said: “The existing Co-operative food store in Locks Heath complements the other retailers in the Locks Heath district centre.

“The food store could be extended, but it’s important that it’s done in a way which doesn’t harm other shops.

“We’ve spoken to other retailers and they, like us, have concerns about the impact of the large new superstore that’s currently being proposed for the edge of the district centre.”

The supermarket has put forward a counterproposal for the centre – which would include an extension to the current Co-op and a new swimming pool.

The alternative plans will be on display at the Lockswood Community Centre on Wednesday between noon and 7pm and on Thursday between 9am and 1pm.

Fareham Borough Council is also consulting on its master plan until next Monday.

The plans can be viewed at the Civic Offices and comments can be emailed to planningpolice@fareham.gov.uk.