Tesco store will anchor St Modwen’s new Stafford scheme

St Modwen Developments Ltd has applied for detailed planning consent for a major regeneration scheme on a 12-acre derelict site in Stafford, which includes the construction of a new 8,048 sq m (86,632 sq ft) Tesco store and petrol filling station.

The proposed multi-million pound scheme alongside the railway line in Newport Road will include a 40-unit housing development and new hostel premises for the Bethany Project.

St Modwen has spent the past three years assembling the site which includes former railway sidings, obsolete and derelict commercial and industrial premises along Friars Terrace.

Tesco’s new store will provide a state-of-the-art shopping facility with a greatly improved offer for customers, to replace their existing smaller store on Bridge Street.

Richard Anderson, spokesman for Tesco, said: “Our store in Stafford has served customers well over the years but we’re very limited in what we can do to improve it. The new store will give customers the best in modern food shopping and create around 200 new jobs for local people. The arrival of a new Tesco store often encourages further investment in the area by other businesses.”

Derek West of St Modwen said: “The redevelopment of this derelict site will allow major regeneration in this rundown area. It is a comprehensive proposal which will include housing along Friars terrace, a new residential home and office for the Focus Housing Association and the Bethany Project. The new Tesco supermarket will provide much improved facilities for their customers.”

The scheme takes part of the playing fields at the Chetwyn Centre which have not been used for many years. The proposals will include new replacement playing fields and leisure facilities on an alternative site.The disposal proceeds from the playing fields will allow a major multi-million pound refurbishment of the Chetwyn Centre itself.

For further information contact Derek West of St Modwen on 0121-456-2800. Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121-236-7771).