Asda to push ahead with £25m superstore plan

Details of the company’s plans to build a new outlet on a vacant site at the Monkstown Road/Doagh Road junction were first revealed in March 2012. But due to the tough economic conditions the project was put on hold as Asda carried out a strategic review of its proposed new store developments across the country.

While some new-build schemes in other parts of the UK have since been scrapped, the company says it is committed to delivering a 40,000sq/ft superstore and filling station at the Monkstown Road site.

Asda confirmed this week that it is hoping to submit a planning application for the new store development within the next few months.

“Asda remains committed to opening a store in Newtownabbey,” a company spokesman told the Times. “We have been reviewing our plans and intend to submit an application for a 40,000 sq/ft store at the Monkstown and Doagh Road site in the early part of this year.

“This will represent a significant investment in the area, creating up to 300 jobs and bringing Asda’s value and everyday low prices to the area.”

The £25.1m project is expected to involve the redesign of the Monkstown Road/Doagh Road junction, with a roundabout or traffic signals likely to be installed in order to facilitate access to the new superstore.

It’s understood that Asda’s application is a separate venture from other potential plans mooted for the 14-acre site, which have included possible development of industrial units, a call centre and housing.