Sainsbury’s heads for central Stockport

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury’s has signed a development agreement with Stockport Council which could lead to the regeneration of the Knightsbridge site in Stockport’s town centre.

The site is opposite the Peel Centre on Great Portwood Street and close to the huge Tesco Extra store which opened in the town six years ago. Sasinsbury’s plans to submit an application for a 68,000 sq ft superstore on the site within the next few weeks. It held a public exhibition in Mersey Square this weekend to consult with local residents and busineses about its plans.

Stockport Council said that the site had been a prime development opportunity for a number of years.

“This is yet another major step forward in the regeneration of Stockport town centre,” said Cllr Kevin Hogg, Stockport Council’s executive nember for regeneration.

“This investment demonstrates Stockport’s appeal as a location and the growing confidence in our borough. We are continuing to attract investment and are bucking the trend during tough economic times.”

Paul Miller, regional development surveyor at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re delighted to have signed the development agreement with Stockport Council and will continue to work closely with them on a set of proposals which will bring jobs and investment to Stockport town centre.

“We were delighted with the public response for the proposals at the exhibition, which was overwhelmingly positive. This is very much the start of the process and we look forward to receiving more feedback on the proposals from the local community throughout the consultation process.”

Stockport Council is being advised by Cushman & Wakefield.