Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Superstore gets the go-ahead

by Ethos public relations

Partners in the multi million pound redevelopment of Hattersley are celebrating today as the Government Office for the North West has confirmed that the Secretary of State will not intervene in the recent planning approval decision for a new superstore to be built on land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane.

Peak Valley Housing Association and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council are the landowners of the site which now has the green light for the development of a 90,000 sq ft Tesco store and a district centre.

“This is the news Hattersley has been waiting for,” said Peak Valley Housing Association Managing Director Phil Corris. “The land has been earmarked for commercial development since 2005 and we are delighted that our plans to bring local facilities and around 450 new jobs can at last be realised.”

The scheme is part of the Masterplan for the area and has the support of partners Peak Valley Housing Association, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, developer CTP and the majority of the 7,000 Hattersley residents.

First Deputy, Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick, who represents Hyde Godley ward, which includes parts of Hattersley, is delighted by the decision. He said: “This is excellent news and adds to the regeneration and redevelopment of the area.”

Mrs Brenda Duddridge local resident and Chair of the Hattersley Environment, Housing and Regeneration Theme Group is also pleased that the views of the majority of Hattersley’s residents have been respected. “Residents are the main stakeholders in this,” she said. “It’s great that we will finally have the ‘significant retail outlet’ that has been called for in consultations and discussions with local residents dating back to before 2000.”

The new development will comprise a Tesco Extra as well as a ‘community hub’ which will provide a base for the library service, Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership, the police, the community association, Peak Valley Housing Association offices as well as numerous other community groups.

Keith McCormack, from developers CTP, added: "We have been working closely with Tesco, land owners Peak Valley Housing Association and the council to produce this exciting scheme. It’s great news to have the final seal of approval on what will be gateway scheme for Hattersley.”

It is anticipated that work on the new development will start in April 2011 with the new store expected to open for business around Easter 2012. The new community facilities are likely to be ready at the same time.

Matthew Magee, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager commented: “We're delighted with this news. Our store and the job creation involved will be a real boost for the area and we're grateful to all the residents of Hattersley for their support."

Posted at 4^th November 2010