‘Delight’ as Asda set to open new temporary food store

‘Delight’ as Asda set to open new temporary food store

17 January 2024

ASDA’S new temporary store in Downpatrick opens next Thursday afternoon – almost a week earlier than planned.

Planning permission is being sought for the store which is just under one third smaller than the original complex which is expected to be bulldozed and rebuilt after suffering major damage during last November’s flooding.

Permission is being sought for three years for the temporary store, which will include a sales floor, chillers and freezers, plant area and staff facilities.

Current car parking provision will be reconfigured as the temporary store will result in the loss of just over 100 spaces, leaving 350 available for shoppers to access all the businesses in Down Retail Park.

Asda store manager Ciara Smyth has thanked customers, staff members and suppliers for their patience, flexibility and support since the store was closed as a result of the catastrophic structural damage it sustained.

In an online post, the store manager said Asda was pleased it was able to redeploy all Downpatrick staff across other its other stores “whilst we have worked through a solution”.

The post added: “I’m delighted that we can now welcome all our colleagues back together to work as one team again in Downpatrick.

“The hard work begins now as we prepare to get the temporary store ready for our customers, but we are so excited to welcome you all back from January 25. Thanks for all your patience and support.”

Last month, a planning report submitted as part of the bid to secure approval for Asda’s temporary store revealed structural engineers discovered 31 defects in the wake of last month’s devastating flood.

Defects uncovered by engineers during a forensic examination of the building — which Asda leases — included an issue with the foundation floor which included what is believed to be a large sink hole.

Large cracks also appeared in walls with damage reported to interior ceilings and floors.

As a result of the catastrophic damage, the retail giant initially revealed that what is one of its flagship stores would remain closed for the “foreseeable future” following the flooding.

As work on the opening of the temporary store next Thursday at 1pm continues, Harry Corry, Peacocks and Poundstretcher remain closed.

Both Poundstretcher and Harry Corry’s — which were closed when the structural damage was discovered at the Asda store — subsequently reopened.

However, they both closed shortly before Christmas to allow further structural examinations to be carried out.

In the town centre, Card Factory reopened last week after the November flood engulfed the store, but other businesses which were unable to relocate remain closed.

B&M Bargains, Poundland, DV8 Vodafone and Savers remain closed with no indication at this stage when they will be reopening for business.

South Down MLA Patrick Brown says he understands that additional structural surveys are required at Harry Corry’s, Peacocks and Poundstretcher.

He also believes that Poundland is working hard to reopen its store as it recognises how important it is to the local community, but there is no clarity at this point when B&M Bargains will reopen.

“DV8 has expressed a commitment to reopening its Downpatrick store but does not yet know when this will be, while Savers does not know when it will reopen its Market Street store,” he continued.

Former Downpatrick councillor, Dermot Curran, has welcomed the opening of the temporary Asda store earlier than planned.

He hopes it will generate increase town centre footfall to support those businesses which were devastated by the November flood.

Some business owners were fortunate to secure alternative premises but several others have not been so fortunate,” said Mr Curran.

“Town centre footfall has noticeably decreased since Asda’s main store closed due to structural defects and it’s welcome that the temporary store is to reopen and is likely to remain in place for some time.”