Problems delay plans for new St Ann’s ASDA Store

UPDATED   In a meeting with City Council Leader Jon Collins on 27th March, I was informed that Blueprint now want to build a much bigger store on the Wright & Dobson land, with the adjacent Co-op site being used as the store car park. The City Council are presently unsure whether the new plans are right for the area, as it would take away trade from surrounding shops.

The announcement of the new ASDA store came in April 2012 with a consultation event at Stonebridge City Farm.The store is an exciting new project for developer Blueprint, which has offices in Nottingham’s Lace Market.

After speaking to Blueprint’s Development Director Peter Conboy, Alice Rossi for the developer said today  “I understand that discussions are still taking place between Asda and the council, mainly about store design, and that once these are concluded, a planning application will be put in based on what has been concluded.”

I understand that the developer/Asda have now changed the design of their store, and that planners are reviewing the new store plans prior it being submitted as a planning application. The original plan was a store with a grass roof, and containing wooden structures that made it economically friendly.

Alice Rossi of Igloo (Blueprint)

Mr Andrew Gregory Head of Development Management and Regeneration at Nottingham City Council informed me “I am afraid that we do not have any further news at present regarding a new ASDA store.

“As soon as we have something firmed up and in the public domain then we would be pleased to share this information with you.”

City Council planners are mindful that Sainsbury's have now submitted plans to build a new super store on land in Netherfield to Gedling Borough Council. While Tesco withdrew plans to build a new store on the former Boots Island site in London Road in early 2012; which fit into the bigger picture.

I have no idea about the timescale involved. When I asked about this, Mr Gregory said “As mentioned, we actually don’t have any further information ourselves regarding a planning application or timing for one at present.”

While Alice Rossi replied “I’m afraid I can’t add a timescale though – maybe get back in touch in a couple of months and I can give you an update then?”

By Richard Pearson