Supermarket chain Morrisons has officially been unveiled as the tenant for an ambitious development in Bargoed which will see 300 new jobs created.
It has been a year since the company was announced as part of the scheme but Caerphilly County Borough Council has now signed a contract with the supermarket.
Cllr Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and planning said: “I am delighted that Morrisons has agreed to join us in bringing this long-awaited scheme to the town’s residents.
“A lot of hard work has been going on over recent months to ensure our ambitious proposals are able to become a reality. I look forward to seeing this major retail and leisure development, which we anticipate will bring in the region of 300 much-needed jobs to the area, come to fruition and help bring about the regeneration of Bargoed town centre.”
Morrisons will build a 56,000 sq ft store on the 2.2 hectare Retail Plateau development.
The final piece of the jigsaw for the major retail and leisure development planned for Bargoed is now in place, with the announcement that the national supermarket chain Morrisons have formally signed up to build a brand new 56,000 sq ft store on the prestigious 2.2 hectare development site.
Philip Hodgkinson, deputy chairman of the scheme’s developer Simons, said: “We are delighted that a company of the calibre of Morrisons has made such a commitment to the town of Bargoed.
“This represents a significant milestone in the delivery of this important regeneration project, and we look forward to working with both Morrisons and Caerphilly County Borough Council on the detail of the project with the objective of commencing construction later this year.”
Council leader Lindsay Whittle also welcomed the news.
He said: “The future is most certainly looking bright for Bargoed’s Big Idea. The bold ambition is definitely becoming a reality.
“This development will be a welcome boost for Bargoed, and I am delighted that such a well known retailer is fully behind the scheme, which will bring a whole host of economic benefits for the town and it’s surrounding areas.”
Major preparatory works have already been carried out at the site and a number of properties have been demolished to make way for the scheme.
The multi-million pound development should boost the local economy, create hundreds of new jobs and breathe new life into Bargoed town centre.
The news of the deal has also been welcomed by Caerphilly Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert.
He said: “This is great news for traders and local people. After lengthy delays and disappointments we finally have the news that we’ve been waiting for. My congratulations go to all those involved in the negotiations. And I include the Bargoed Chamber of Trade, Bargoed Town Council, local county councillors, and so many traders and residents that have worked hard over several years.”
As well as the main supermarket development, the proposals also includes new shops, attractive public spaces and more than 400 car parking spaces.
A planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of March with construction to begin this year.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet also recently agreed to a second phase of the planned development which could see a multiplex cinema built.
i'm very excited about morrisons comming here, i'm very pleased that the town is slowly on the up and we can now enjoy the glory days again like before, as it so richly deserves, this is my home town, and i'm proud of its history and have fond memories,it would be good to see it all restored, some great work is being done, i'm positive that bargoed will now have a bright future!