Big jobs boost as Morrisons returns to Tunbridge Wells

by Chris Brithcer - 23/09/2011

"Supermarket chain Morrisons is coming back to Tunbridge Wells after promising it will re-open its abandoned ‘grot spot’ store by next Easter - and provide the first of its new ‘stores of the future’ at the site."

It will also create 220 new jobs.

After mounting pressure from the likes of MP Greg Clark, council leaders and angry residents, the supermarket chain has agreed to return - and to improve the site next to the town’s railway station.

The story has stood empty and boarded up since 2006. Fury was then sparked when Morrisons blocked an approach by upmarket rival Waitrose to take over the remaining years on its lease.

Morrisons says the store in Vale Road will be the first of its ‘new era’ stores to open in the south, and promises to transform it into a “contemporary shopping space, focused on an innovative and wide-ranging, premium fresh food offering”.

Among the features shoppers are promised are fully trained butchers, fishmongers and florists, in addition to a ‘Fresh to Go’ counter offering fresh coffee and fruit juices, a deli and bakery.

Andy Newton, format director at Morrisons said: “This store will bring together all the best innovations in fresh produce from the UK, the US and Canada.

“Until now Morrisons has not had a format that would be right for Tunbridge Wells. With our ‘store of the future’ we can provide the town with a premium offer, including the widest range of fresh ingredients alongside other innovations we have trialled in our concept store in Kirkstall, Leeds.

“This is Morrisons as you probably have never seen it before, with more surprising produce and an exciting layout but still highly affordable.”

Morrisons has submitted a planning application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to allow certain changes to be made to the store’s exterior and the circulation space to the front of the store. These changes are designed to lighten up the store frontage, improve customer accessibility and “significantly enhance the experience of visiting the new store”.

Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Bob Atwood said: “The council has now received a planning application in respect of the Tunbridge Wells Morrisons’ site. It seems our wish to see the end of the saga of the empty store may yet come true. Personally, I am pleased Morrisons has adhered to the timescales we agreed with them. We should not be complacent, but, having submitted an application to make some improvements to the store, it suggests Morrisons is committed to returning to our town.”

MP Greg Clark added: “It is fantastic news. It is the breakthrough we all wanted.

“It was a disgrace it had stood empty for so long but within a few months it should be back up and running.

“When we met earlier this month I told them they had to make their mind up. Either they return to the building or they release it to Waitrose. But they could not sit on it while they prevaricated.

“I also wanted to see something happen to that site within a few number of months rather than a year.”

Mr Clark had travelled to the supermarket chain’s headquarters in Bradford to meet with its top brass last month - and they held talks again when management visited the Town Hall to meet with council chiefs.

Mr Clark says he is now determined to ensure they honour their pledge to the town.

“But I won’t be dropping my guard entirely. They have promised to make it a very attractive store with big improvements inside and out as well as to the car park. I will keep a close eye on those promises being delivered.”

The move by Morrisons comes just weeks after the local Conservative Association started a petition demanding action be taken on the site. Within days of it being launched by Mr Clark and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council leader Bob Atwood, hundreds had already signed up.

Mr Clark said at the time of the launch: “Since Morrisons closed its Tunbridge Wells store in 2006, the empty site has been a blight on our town. Not only have residents been deprived of a building that was designed to meet their needs, but its boarded up doors and windows opposite the railway station have been a bleak and depressing sight for visitors arriving to our beautiful town, as well as an eyesore for residents using the station.”

More Details: http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/big_jobs_boost_as_morrisons_returns_to_tunbridge_wells_1_1067756