Asda plans welcomed

Asda plans welcomed

13 November 2024

THE developer behind the new Asda superstore in Downpatrick has welcomed formal planning approval for the £22m investment.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee formally approved the new store proposal last week.

Work on the new store, petrol station and three retail units is expected to start in the New Year with the ultra-modern retail outlet set to open in early 2026.

Demolition and construction work has the potential to support up to 150 construction jobs with Celpark Limited, a subsidiary of the Comer Group which has a significant presence in a number of European cities, delighted formal planning approval is now in place.

The investment to redevelop the Downe retail park will create an additional 40 new jobs with the new Asda store almost 700 square metres larger than the one it will replace.

The former store closed last year due to major structural issues after the worst flooding in living memory with its replacement built slightly south east of the current building with the footprint covering land currently occupied by the Harry Corry, Peacocks and Poundstretcher stores and the car park in front of them. 

These buildings will also be demolished.

Celpark Ltd said securing formal planning approval was “significantly positive” for Downpatrick following last year’s disastrous flooding.

The company said it has worked closely with local elected representatives, the community and other interested parties before lodging the formal planning application to ensure what it describes as “community alignment” with the plans.

“We warmly welcome the decision by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to approve our planning application,” said a spokesperson.

“We are in jubilant mood as we view the approval as an opportunity to establish a major landmark shopping destination for both the local Downpatrick and wider communities.”

Asda has also welcomed the formal planning approval.

It said in the wake of the closure of its store as a result of major structural defects due to flooding, it has seen at first hand how much of a key role Asda plays in the community. 

“Whilst we are pleased that the temporary store is serving the town and the wider area, a long-term solution is required,” said the spokesperson.

“That’s why we’re excited to get planning permission for a new permanent store which will bring the full range of Asda groceries and fresh foods including the Exceptional and Just Essentials by Asda lines as well as George clothing back to Downpatrick, including a new petrol filling station attached to the store.”

The redevelopment, with 9,000 sq metres of floor space, will include an Asda superstore, together with the introduction of a new petrol filling station and shop, as well as three additional non-food retail units with car parking and a service yard.

New traffic traffic lights will be erected at the entrance to the retail park where there have been a series of accidents over recent years at the Ballydugan Road entrance. The new lights are designed to make he junction safer.

There was overwhelming support for the £22m investment during a 12-week public consultation earlier this year with planning papers revealing that the construction method on the new store and retail units will be similar to that used to build the Halfords, Argos, Costa and New Look stores at the retail park which have not been affected by flooding or structural issues.

The non-food retail stores also form part of the development proposal and will be built adjacent to the existing New Look store, while the current petrol station will also be redeveloped with existing underground fuel tanks replaced.