A regeneration scheme which will see a 80,000 sq ft Tesco built in Risca and 500 new jobs created has begun.
Supermarket giant Tesco has bought the former Foundry Site, off Newport Road, and construction work on a new superstore has now started.
As part of the regeneration proposal, the historic Palace Cinema building in the town centre will also get a facelift and will be turned into a Tesco Express. It will also house a new library and other community facilities.
Lindsay Whittle, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Risca and the surrounding area and we now look forward to the works commencing.
“This major regeneration scheme will bring new jobs to the community and will also help boost the local economy.”
Councillor Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The fact that the Palace will also be transformed is an added bonus as the building has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years and the whole community is keen for it to receive a much-needed revamp.
“Officers of the council have worked extremely hard to bring about these developments and projects like this can result in substantial community benefits.”
The main Tesco site will be located at the former foundry site off Newport road. The proposals include:
- 80,000 sq ft foodstore
- 761-space shoppers’ car park
- A petrol station
- 500 new jobs for local people
- A new footbridge linking to the town centre
- A new riverside walk and extensive landscaping
Sophie Akokhia, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “Purchasing the former foundry site is a major step forward in realising our ambitious regeneration plans for Risca. Working alongside our development partner Chelverton Deeley Freed, we are looking forward to breathing new life into the historic Palace cinema and also meeting recognised local need for a larger Tesco that will offer an improved product range for our customers.
“The former foundry site is also a short walk to the town centre and our proposals for new pedestrian links will further encourage people to combine their main food shopping trips with visits to other high street shops.”
Tesco aims to open the foundry site store in December 2010.