Tesco store for town's Gateway
A milestone deal has been agreed for Tesco to build a superstore in Hednesford as a cornerstone of a £50 million redevelopment of the town.
Cannock Chase Council and developer St Modwen have signed up the retail giant to bring an 80,000 sq ft foodstore, creating up to 300 jobs, to Hednesford Gateway.
Subject to planning permission being secured by the end of 2009, construction work on the foodstore is expected to start on site in 2010.
St Modwen will carry out the two phases of development in Hednesford town centre at Rugeley Road and the Victoria Street/bus station site.
Cannock Chase Council leader Neil Stanley said: "It is a long-standing priority of the council to bring regeneration through retail investment to Hednesford town centre.
"The proposed £50 million Gateway scheme is set to put Hednesford on the map by vastly improving the retail offer and shopping experience in the town. Crucially, it will create a host of employment opportunities for local people."
John Dodds, Midlands regional director of St Modwen, said: "This landmark deal is a milestone for the Hednesford Gateway scheme. To secure this level of commitment in the current economic climate from a major UK retailer reinforces the appeal that Hednesford has as a retail destination.
"With the transaction agreed, St Modwen and Cannock Chase Council are now in a position to realise the vision for the regeneration of the town centre, bringing a renewed sense of prosperity and vitality to Hednesford and the wider Cannock Chase district."
The Hednesford Gateway scheme includes 48,000 sq ft of non-food retail, a 17,500 sq ft discount foodstore, new community facilities and a 648-space car park.
