Tesco Submits New Plans for a Store in Sheringham

Following consultation with the community, Tesco has submitted new plans for a supermarket in Sheringham to North Norfolk District Council.  The store will offer good value, choice and convenient food shopping, with around 150 new jobs.

Designed by world class architects and Stirling Prize winners, Wilkinson Eyre, the new store is smaller than previous plans (now about the size of Aylsham Tesco) in response to local comments and earlier decisions.   The Tesco will be as close to Station Road as possible, to encourage shoppers to visit local stores.

The plans include small shop units for other businesses along a new walkway leading shoppers to Station Road.  With around 150 full and part time jobs on offer, if the plans are approved Tesco will arrange a Local Employment Partnership with JobCentre Plus to ensure Sheringham residents have support and training needed to access vacancies.

Since the start of the year over 1,500 people have contacted Tesco to say they want a supermarket.  This includes 400 joining the independent “We want a Tesco in Sheringham” Facebook group, and 1,100 people who have taken the time to write in.  In April the group held a well attended demonstration for the Tesco at the public exhibition, photos of which can be seen on the Facebook page.

Further information about the plans is available from http://www.sheringhamtesco.co.uk

Nick Gellatly from Tesco said: “We are submitting these plans because so many people want a Tesco in Sheringham – over the years thousands have told us they need a decent size supermarket, with the quality, choice and money saving value we are known for every day, that’s even more important in a recession.

“We will also build a new fire station and community centre.  Unlike other applications for supermarkets in Sheringham, our plans are in the right place – the town centre, close to local shops, which will encourage shoppers to use them.  The Planning Inspector’s official decision on our last plans, confirmed this site is the best available for the store Sheringham needs.

“I hope councillors recognise how much people want this and approve it shortly.”

Jono Read, founder of the independent Facebook group which campaigns for a new store in the town, said: “The plans look great, we want Tesco because local people need jobs and good value shopping so I’m sure I speak for many when I say, when can you start?”

Jim Eyre OBE, Director of Wilkinson Eyre Architects, said, “We have worked hard to design a store which fits in with Sheringham’s character, using local materials complemented by modern design.  The sustainable technologies, designs and materials we’ve used will ensure the store produces 18% less carbon dioxide than required by Government standards, in addition to all the car journeys to Cromer that will be saved.”

Graham McEvoy, owner of the Bike Shed on Beeston Road said: “I have run my business in Sheringham for over 10 years and am not the only shopkeeper that thinks the town needs a decent size store to bring in shoppers.  These plans are welcome, the council must approve them, rather than anything on the outskirts.”

Dr. Peter Whitlam, local resident and business psychologist said: “The debate about a store has been going on too long; we need this supermarket now.  I am glad the plans are going in.  Councillors should wake up, listen to the people and make the right decision for Sheringham by approving Tesco.”