Tesco plan for Ballynahinch

Tesco plan for Ballynahinch

13 May 2015

TESCO is planning to open a major new store in Ballynahinch town centre.

A planning application to redevelop the Edengrove halls site at the top of Main Street has been lodged with planners just over two months after the closure of the SuperValu store.

It’s no secret Tesco has long been interested in developing a new store in Ballynahinch and initially expressed an interest in redeveloping a site at the Belfast Road, but the proposed development never got off the ground.

The retail giant also viewed the Ballynahinch community centre in Windmill Street as a potential base for a new store and was also linked with the SuperValu site in Lisburn Street.

Traders in Ballynahinch have insisted in the past that they would welcome a major High Street retailer, provided their investment was located in the town centre and not on its outskirts.

It’s understood the New Testament Church, which is currently based at the Edengrove site, is planning to relocate to new premises in Main Street, paving the way for existing church halls to be demolished to allow construction work to start on the new store — if the Tesco planning application is approved.

News of the proposed Tesco investment has been welcomed by Strangford MP Jim Shannon and Rowallane councillor Billy Walker.

Mr Shannon said the retail giant’s arrival in Ballynahinch would provide the town with a “timely economic boost,” creating new jobs in store and in the local construction industry.

“If this planning application is given the green light it could act as a catalyst for further investment in Ballynahinch’s retail core, providing the entire business community with a boost as footfall would be increased,” the MP added.

Councillor Walker believes a new Tesco store could play a vital role in kick-starting Ballynahinch’s economic regeneration and help with the redevelopment of the town centre in particular.

“Tesco has been interested in opening a major store in Ballynahinch for some time and given the recent closure of the SuperValu store, confirmation of the planning application is particularly timely,” he said.

“I have no doubt Tesco’s arrival in Ballynahinch could provide a major boost for existing businesses by drawing additional shoppers to the town. It is clear the company is keen to invest in the market town and I hope its proposed investment gets the green light.”

Councillor Walker said he hopes when Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee discusses the Tesco proposal politicians will weigh in with their support to provide Ballynahinch “with the economic boost it needs and deserves.”