Major national trading chains are expanding in resort
TWO OF the UK's biggest national chains are set to expand their operations in Newquay.
Tesco is expected to sign a deal later this week to convert the Buzios bar on East Street into a second express store.
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Buzios Bar on East Street
It is understood that the deal will not scupper any of its plans for a large supermarket on land belonging to Tretherras School, or its current express store on Narrowcliff.
Tesco is still in negotiations with Tretherras over the deal for a new store, as the school wishes to sell off The Hexagon Theatre, Happy Days Nursery and the old junior school section to make way for the multimillion-pound store.
Meanwhile pub chain JD Wetherspoon will open a second bar in the town in the former Divas/Red Square building on Gover Lane.
The company has submitted an application for a premises licence for what will be called The Cribber.
If successful it will operate from 9am to 4am, Sunday to Saturday, with regulated entertainment.
The application is likely to be discussed by Cornwall Council next month. A spokesman for Wetherspoons said: "I can confirm that we are in negotiations to purchase the site of the former Red Square building.
"We have already submitted a public notice and licensing application."
Eve Wooldridge, manager of the Newquay Business Improvement District (BID), said that it was aware that there are a number of properties within the Newquay BID area that are currently in the process of sale or redevelopment.
She added: "We are fortunate that, despite the recession, Newquay has only 8 per cent of empty properties.
"This is against a national high street average of 14 per cent.
"The upcoming redevelopment of some key sites will bring this percentage down even further.
"As a BID we are constantly encouraging a vibrant mix of local, independent retailers and establishments, alongside quality national brands, who bring their own propositions and vital investment to our local doorstep."
Tony Townsend, a spokesman for Newquay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said: "The fact two major household names are expanding in Newquay appears to demonstrate that the town is thriving even in difficult economic times and the chamber welcomes this and hopes it will attract further chains to look at Newquay.
"Most towns which welcome national brands appear to attract more footfall, which in turn benefits the local businesses.
"Time will tell, but hopefully Newquay will experience this too."
It is unknown at this stage how many jobs would be created by the two openings.
Tesco said it could not comment on its plans for Buzios until a deal had been signed. A company spokesman said: "Tesco is keen to provide the residents of Newquay with retail choice and a convenient shopping experience. At this stage there are no further developments. We will, of course, inform the local community as soon as the situation changes."
8 Comments
by josdave
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 7:00PM
“Why so many supermarkets? They are increasing the blandness of shopping centres up and down the country. Once the supermarkets have driven all the local traders out and all we have left is an overabundance of supermarkets what a dismal outlook that is. It's time that local councils woke up and started refusing planning permission to these chains as soon as they hold out their wallets.”
by rt1379
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 4:03PM
“AngryAlly.. "correct" ...
Its a decent town .. I will "big it up" !”
by AngryAlly
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 3:54PM
“At least we're not sticking the knife into Newquay's town centre shops this week! Makes a nice change from all the talk about 'left to rot' last week. Big the town up!”
by rt1379
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 3:07PM
“Fine ... bring em on .. !
The former Red Square in Gover Lane would be far better with Weatherspoons than as it is now... And, Tesco's aren't stupid ! ... they have some brains working for them within the company who I'm sure will have looked into the suitability of the premises and the number of people likely to use it ... personally I would rather see a Tesco on East St. than another darn watering hole ! .. The Tesco Express on Narrowcliff is little more than a corner shop but seems to do well... Is it the name "Tesco" that some people don't like ? ... maybe change the name of the little one on Narrowcliff to "Uncle Bert's" or "Auntie Mary's"... would that be any better ?
AND.... the three major (and two not so major) supermarkets in, or on the outskirts of town are "always" busy, even now during the winer months .....
Whats the alternative ... "Brick up the doors and windows" of both these sites ?”
by Truro_England
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 11:27AM
“Look at most UK towns today... Teasco, Lidils, mobile shops and second hand shops etc etc
more of Cornwalls smaller towns will die to death cos most people cant afford to use local shops or local farmer markets, Also in the near future Tesco will run schools and hospitals...”
by shagrats
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 10:22AM
“I totally agree with the abundance of tescos. Its just a sign of the times that the only people making money are at the low end, Tesco's is cheap and so are Weatherspoons. All towns are blending into each other. Its now going to be the brag of how many Tescos your town has. Surely the best should be 5 tescos, a couple of Aldi's a couple of Lidils and 3 or 4 Weatherspoons, poundshop and a massive great dole office.”
by Restart
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:43AM
“You take issue with a Wetherspoons opening, but don't seem to have an issue with a second (potentially 3rd) Tesco, all within a short distance from each other?
Seriously, what is the point? Haven't they seen Newquay during the winter months? It's absolutely dead, with nowhere near enough people to require 3 Tesco stores (together with the pre-existing Morrison's superstore).
Our corrupt council will greenlight any application by Tesco though, no matter how ridiculous & unnecessary, because it is in their interest to do so, what with having money tied up in Tesco shares & all.”
by shagrats
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:27AM
“Fantastic the whole of the country now turns into a weatherspoons, Why dont they open another weatherspoons inside the existing ones toilets.”