Sainsbury’s supermarket in Pontllanfraith is to expand after ending the lease of the Original Factory Shop, situated in the same building.
The supermarket chain also wants to build an extension to house a customer café and has submitted a planning application to the council.
It’s plan to build a café was originally agreed by the council back in May, but the company now wants to build a goods lift at the store as well.
An application to expand the store’s retail space in November 2010 was rejected by councillors because of a lack of parking.
The Original Factory Shop will now close on February 28 to make way for Sainsbury’s.
Colin Leggatt, marketing director of the Original Factory Shop said the firm did not want to close the store but had no option after Sainsbury’s ended its lease.
He said: “We weren’t looking to close the unit. It was always a possibility as we were on a short-term lease, originally with the Co-op. The site was suffering before we moved in there and it was working well because of the combined benefit having us both there, but Sainsbury’s is looking to increase its non-food offering.
“We spent a lot of time and effort building a customer base there – that’s all lost to us.”
Originally a Co-op, the site on the Newbridge Road Industrial Estate was taken over by Sainsbury’s in October 2009.
Marina Blythe, Sainsbury’?s Project Manager, said: ?”We were granted planning permission for the café last year, and have decided to make some additional amendments to improve the store further.
“An amendment to the previous application has now been submitted and this includes the installation of a lift to the rear of the store.
“As well as building a new café we will also be moving into the factory outlet store which will become vacant on February 28. Our new café and additional floor space will enable us to offer local residents a wider range of quality products, to help them live well for less.
“Although we do not expect our work to be too disruptive for our neighbours, we will be contacting them in the near future, to come and meet us to find out more about our exciting plans.?”
As part of its overhaul, the store is also set to get a new petrol station.