COUNCIL DECIDES TO SELL NOTTINGHAM ROAD LAND TO
SAINSBURY's
PRESS RELEASE
7 July 2009
On the 6 July 2009 the Policy, Finance and Administration
Committee of the Council decided to sell the land (excluding the
embankment land) subject to planning consent and the preferred
developer is Sainsbury's.
Robert Oxley, Sainsbury's Regional Development Executive,
said:
"We are delighted to have won the opportunity to come to Melton
Mowbray. We look forward to unveiling plans for a new Sainsbury's
foodstore, which will provide a range of benefits to the community,
including jobs for local people and an improved shopping offer for
the town as a whole."
The scheme will involve 350 jobs and a 35,000ft2 store,
including 300 car parking spaces. This bid also emphasised the
opportunity to provide a strong linkage to the cattle market and
town centre.
The Council will now be progressing the legal agreement,
following which a full public consultation will be undertaken prior
to the submission of a planning application.
Councillor Malise Graham said:
"This disposal will provide jobs next to one of our highest
unemployment 'hot spots', provide opportunity for linked trips to
the town centre as well as a significant capital build project to
boost the Town. It is an incredibly interesting time for the local
economy.
The Council needs to dispose of assets to take forward the major
schemes we have waiting for funding such as Waterfield Leisure
Pools and Cattle Market projects."
Councillor Alison Freer (Town Centre Champion) said:
"We are looking forward to welcoming J. Sainsbury's to the Town
and encouraging a positive working relationship between them and
the Town businesses. We are encouraged by their presence in
other towns and feel confident we can work towards the same for
Melton Mowbray."
Councillor Malise Graham said:
"Sainsbury's will be consulting with the public and key
stakeholders prior to a planning application being submitted.
This will give everyone opportunity to put any comments and
concerns forward. This capital sum will provide a huge
opportunity and a financial cushion for the future."
"I would also like to add that every year we struggle to make
our books balance and we have had to make very difficult and
sometimes unpopular decisions in the past. We now have a huge
opportunity to boost the town through the Council's move and this
exciting project, providing jobs and allowing us to invest in our
future. Alternatively, of course, we could have stayed exactly as
we were."
The value to be paid for the site remains confidential but Innes
England, our commercial property consultants provided an indication
on the levels that might be obtained prior to the marketing of the
site. The Council can confirm that it has received an offer
significantly in excess of its expectations and the valuation that
was received.
~ends~
For more information please contact:
Christine Marshall
Corporate Director
Melton Borough Council
Telephone: 01664 502 532
Email: cmarshall@melton.gov.uk
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