Exclusive: Tesco to open store in Castledawson

Supermarket chain giant Tesco is planning to open its second store in south Derry with an Express shop in Castledawson - creating between 15 and 20 jobs.
Artists impression of proposed Tesco Express in CastledawsonArtists impression of proposed Tesco Express in Castledawson
Artists impression of proposed Tesco Express in Castledawson

A spokesperson for the company told the Mail yesterday that they hoped to have the outlet open by Christmas.

Although planning permission is yet to be obtained, the 4,000 sq ft store will be located at Bridge Street junction with Main Street.

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It is on a site currently occupied by a public house and it is unclear whether Tesco plan to refurbish the building or go for a re-build.

The central location is expected to have 23 parking spaces.

The spokesperson said Tesco had not applied for a license to sell alcohol.

“We’re looking forward to bringing a Tesco Express to Castledawson before the end of the year,” he added.

Tesco’s other store in Magherafelt opened in February 2012 after months of speculation as to who had acquired the former Supervalu site at Ballyronan.

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On that occasion the company decided to carry out a major refurbishment costing in the region of £2.5m and, as a result, created much needed employment in the local construction industry.

DUP councillor Anne Forde welcomed the development, saying it would give residents the opportunity to shop local rather than having to travel to Magherafelt or Cookstown.

She added that as well as having a Tesco on their doorstep, it will also provide a source of employment for local people.

Meanwhile, the fight to get a superstore in Magherafelt goes on with three of the four developers whose applications were rejected in April appealling the decision.

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