Retailer Marks and Spencer could be set to open in Caerphilly town.
The chain is believed to be in negotiations with the developers of Gallagher Retail Park, near Crossways, about opening a food store in the unit currently occupied by discount store What.
Owner Gallagher Developments wants to divide the unit into two separate spaces for food and non-food items, with proposals given the green light by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, November 8.
Officers had recommended planning permission be granted on the basis that 50 full-time jobs could be created, and that the securing of a “premium” retailer could be the catalyst for attracting other businesses to the vacant units at the retail park and promoting footfall.
Labour councillors James Pritchard and Shayne Cook, who represent the Morgan Jones ward, hailed the decision, claiming the application’s approval could entice other big brands to set up shop in the town.
Cllr Pritchard said: “There were 87 responses in favour of this application and zero against. Public opinion is strongly in favour of attracting well-established household brands to Caerphilly, so as local councillors we’re contacting further big brand names to make the case for Caerphilly.
“We know there’s a real spirit amongst residents to see this happen.”
Cllr Cook added: “Caerphilly residents deserve household brands within easy access. Merthyr and Talbot Green have thriving retail parks, so why not Caerphilly?
£The jobs boost this development is likely to bring should be seen as the beginning. Public opinion demands a much enhanced retail offer in Caerphilly, so that’s what we will continue to positively fight for.”
The council’s retail impact assessment ruled the proposed development would act more as a “top-up” shopping destination, rather than detract from the town’s Morrisons and Iceland stores, citing the “type of product offered and the limited range of goods on sale” as being unlikely to divert trade from those stores.
A spokeswoman for Marks and Spencer said: “We do have an interest in developing our food offering in Caerphilly, but we have nothing to confirm at the moment.”
M&S have been looking to open here for some time. The range of goods on sale will be anything but ‘limited’ as M&S will sell their usual, comprehensive, high quality, food range. I do agree that shoppers who regularly use Iceland will not be greatly tempted to switch though, there will be a large difference in price.
Good news for Caerffili, let’s hope all goes well and the shop does open.
Yes good news and it will be good to see those empty units being used – although I do hope it doesn’t for any reason displace the catering trailer that is situated in the car park.
Who knows, there will be competition. Last week Llanishen M&S introduced fresh cooked, hot ‘pigs in a blanket.’ Shoppers were seen to buying them, five for £2, then buying a fresh baked roll, I think they are about 45p. They then put the bacon and sausage into the roll, hey presto, a superior type of hotdog for £2.45!
It all depends on whether the new M&S has a delicatessen and bakery.
A Matalan store would be most appreciated!
they need to provide a better bus service to the retail park
It would be great if a Primark could go into one of the units, that would bring a lot of footfall to that area, which ever primark i have been too has always been busy, would love to see it!