Pickles gives green light to Eccles Tesco store

PLANS for controversial new Tesco Extra superstore in Eccles have been waved through by by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

The store will be built on the West One retail park which is owned by PBN Property. Tesco has claimed that its construction will create 400 new jobs.

PBN Property was initially granted approval by Salford Council to build the 90,000 sq ft store last year, but the decision was opposed by rival developer Threadneedle Properties, which owns the nearby Eccles Precinct shopping area. It had claimed the new store would threaten businesses in the nearby town centre, with which it will be linked via a new footbridge.

A public enquiry into the scheme began in December 2010, but the Secretary of State has now decided to allow it  to proceed.

Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, Deborah Hayeems, said: “This is excellent news for the future of Eccles and naturally we are delighted with the decision.
“A new store will mean we are able to bring hundreds of new jobs to the area all of which will be geared towards local people.” 

“This is a major investment in Eccles that can kick-start further regeneration projects in the town.”  

Tesco has said that the store will open by Christmas next year, and added that up to half of the new jobs would be offered to long-term unemployed people in the local area.