Tesco loses Project Jennifer challenge

THE £150m Project Jennifer regeneration scheme in Liverpool has moved a step closer after Tesco lost its latest legal challenge at the High Court in Manchester.

Tesco had appealed against the Government’s decision to refuse a planning application for a stand-alone food store on the site of the proposed scheme.

The decision allows developer St Modwen and Sainsbury’s to move forward with the Project Jennifer scheme, now to be anchored by a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Project Jennifer also includes 80,000 sq ft of non-food retail space, a market hall, 481 new homes, a health centre and a library.

Michelle Taylor, regional director at St Modwen, said: “It has been a frustrating time for all involved. We can now look forward to delivering this transformational scheme for north Liverpool, bringing forward the development which the community has fully supported throughout this long process.”

Chris Templeman, head of property development for Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re delighted with the High Court’s decision. Tesco’s application was for a food store only, and did not offer the comprehensive regeneration the local community has worked so hard for.

“This is an exciting project for Sainsbury’s, with the investment kick-starting the wider redevelopment of north Liverpool. We look forward to working closely with St Modwen to get the proposals up-and-running as soon as possible.”