Lidl pulls out of scheme
Budget supermarket chain Lidl has pulled out of the Hednesford Gateway redevelopment scheme, it was revealed today.
The 17,000 sq ft store was set to anchor phase one of the £50 million project set to revitalise the town. Now council bosses are seeking an alternative food store.
The first part of regeneration, also features 11 retail units, five flats on the second storey, a 600-seat bingo hall and 170-space car park, will be at the Rugeley Road end of Market Street.
Tesco will anchor the larger phase two development, at the bus station/Victoria Street end of the town, with an 80,000 sq ft foodstore creating up to 300 jobs.
Mark Watkins, senior development surveyor for developer St Modwen, said: "We understand the decision by Lidl was made for internal company reasons.
"We're already making good progress with the £50 million regeneration of Hednesford town centre, having recently signed an operator for the 80,000 sq ft foodstore to anchor the Victoria Street scheme.
"We can confirm that we're still in talks with a number of discount foodstore operators for the 17,000 sq ft store for the Rugeley Road scheme. However, we're at a very early stage in the development process, having only just submitted a planning application.
"To have already secured the 80,000 sq ft foodstore for Victoria Street and in a difficult economic climate, demonstrates that major operators recognise Hednesford's potential as an excellent location and shows the confidence that exists in St Modwen's plans for the area."
Cannock Chase Council cabinet member for access to employment Danny Davies said: "We are all bitterly disappointed as Lidl was going to be the anchor for the redevelopment of that end of the town centre."
