Asda set for big expansion

A new floor may be added to Stafford's 24-hour Asda superstore. Asda says that the scheme, which would increase floor space by a quarter, would create about 60 full and part-time jobs at the store at the junction of Queensway and Lammascote Road.

An application to build a mezzanine floor and make external alterations to add fire escape staircases and a lift has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council.

Asda Stores Ltd spokesman Stuart Thomson said that the new floor would add 1,436 square metres of space to the existing 4,283 sq m building.

"We are hoping to offer a wider range of George clothing and the new floor will also enable us to tidy up the existing floor by widening the aisles and checkouts," he explained.

He said that if planning permission was obtained, it was hoped that work on the project could begin in the new year.

"The new upper floor will not involve extending the size of the store. It is mainly internal alterations. The project is in our 2008 build programme," he added.

He said the scheme was in response to demand from customers who wanted to see Asda offering a wider range of products and clothing.

Mr Thomson said that the costing for the project had yet to be completed, but he confirmed that if it went ahead it would involve recruiting 60 extra staff.

The store, which cost £25 million, opened in 1998, creating almost 400 jobs.

It was built on the site of the town's old fire station.

Firefighters moved to a £3m new fire station, at Beaconside, funded by Asda in exchange for the site.

A further 50 jobs were created at the store following a major refurbishment last year which added a home delivery service, an optician's, photo shop and pharmacy.

Work also included refurbishment of the restaurant, delicatessen and frozen food sections, plus re-arrangement of the aisles.