Hattersley’s Tesco-led renewal approved
PROPOSALS to redevelop Hattersley’s town centre with a new 90,000 sq ft Tesco store and a district centre can go ahead after the Government Office for the North West confirmed that the Secretary of State will not call in the scheme.
The scheme’s partners, Tesco, Peak Valley Housing Association, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and developer CTP can now begin working on the project, which will bring 450 jobs to the area.
The plans had been opposed by some local residents, with more than 2,000 signing a petition against the scheme. Architecture watchdog CABE also criticised its design.
However, the chair of the Hattersley Environment, Housing and Regeneration Theme Group said that the decision to allow the scheme to go ahead reflected the wishes of the majority of the town’s 7,000 residents.
“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.”
Peak Valley Housing Association managing director Phil Corris said: “This is the news Hattersley has been waiting for. 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 new development will comprise a Tesco Extra as well as a ‘community hub’ with a nee library, offices for Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership, the police, the community association, the housing association and other community groups.
Keith McCormack, from developers CTP, said: “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.”
Work on the new development will start in April 2011 with the new store expected to open for business by Easter 2012. The new community facilities are likely to be ready at the same time.
Matthew Magee, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “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.”
