Work has begun on the site of the new Asda supermarket in Broadheath.
The 40,000 sq ft outlet was given the green light after a spectacular u-turn by Trafford Council’s planning committee in July 2013.
And a spokesman for Asda confirmed to Altrincham Today that work has now begun on the Lyon Industrial Estate site.
He said: “The developer is currently onsite to carry out enabling works and site preparation, following this work the developer will commence construction of the store. We will update the community on timescales as this work progresses.”
Below: An artist’s impression of the new Asda
It’s hoped the supermarket, which will create 300 new jobs, will be opening in September 2015.
Plans for the new supermarket were originally submitted in early 2013.
Soon after, Asda’s big-four rival Morrisons agreed a deal with B&Q to take over its store on Atlantic Street.
However, both schemes were initially rejected by the council because of the feared impact they would have on regeneration plans for Sale’s Square shopping centre.
A week later, Trafford reversed its decision regarding Asda on the condition all off-site work – including highway improvements, new bus stops and improvements to the bus service – were completed before work on the site itself could begin.
Below: Work has begun on the Lyon Industrial Estate site
After the decision, property developer Property Alliance Group – which submitted the application – said the new store would “create hundreds of jobs, improve public transport links, provide cheaper petrol, regenerate an underused site and bring improvements to local roads”.
However, Altincham Town Centre Partnership described it as “potentially a huge blow for Altrincham town centre”, claiming the resulting loss of trade to the town centre would amount to 7.8%.
Asda already has a Living homestore at the Altrincham Retail Park, but its nearest foodstore is in Wythenshawe.
Below: Work is underway on the new Broadheath Asda
