A landmark building in Risca town centre is set to get a new lease of life now that exciting plans for a major new supermarket for the town have been agreed.
It was announced this week that Tesco have purchased the former Foundry Site off Newport Road and construction work on a new superstore has now started.
As part of this exciting regeneration proposal, the historic Palace cinema building will also get a much-needed facelift with the creation of a ‘Tesco Express’, a new library and other community facilities at the Palace site.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, leader of council said, “This is fantastic news for Risca and the surrounding area and we now look forward to the works commencing. This major regeneration scheme will bring new jobs to the community and will also help boost the local economy.”
Cllr Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration added, “The fact that the palace will also be transformed is an added bonus as the building has been in a state of disrepair for a number of years and the whole community is keen for it to receive a much-needed revamp. Officers of the council have worked extremely hard to bring about these developments and projects like this can result in substantial community benefits.”
The main Tesco site will be located at the former foundry site off Newport road. The proposals include: –
- 80,000 sq ft foodstore
- 761-space shoppers’ car park
- A petrol station
- 500 new jobs for local people
- A new footbridge linking to the town centre
- A new riverside walk and extensive landscaping
Sophie Akokhia, Tesco’s Corporate Affairs Manager, comments, “Purchasing the former foundry site is a major step forward in realising our ambitious regeneration plans for Risca. Working alongside our development partner Chelverton Deeley Freed, we are looking forward to breathing new life into the historic Palace cinema and also meeting recognised local need for a larger Tesco that will offer an improved product range for our customers.
“The former foundry site is also a short walk to the town centre and our proposals for new pedestrian links will further encourage people to combine their main food shopping trips with visits to other high street shops.”
Tesco aims to open the foundry site store in December 2010. This will create around 500 full and part-time positions that will be prioritised for local people.
