New Tesco store in line for August opening

TESCO have confirmed that they are just weeks away from opening their multi-million pound store in Crumlin.

Originally the store, which is to create up to 250 jobs, was expected to open in November.

However, the company has now announced they will open in mid-August - months ahead of schedule.

The store, which is on the site of the former Cattle Market, was given full planning permission in October 2008 but work did not start until March of this year. It will have a sales floor of 30,000 square feet.

The company amended its original proposals to provide better pedestrian access, improve road layout for the roundabout at the entrance/exit and enhance landscaping to improve the boundary for the store's neighbours after consultations with local people.

Although considerably smaller than the nearby stores in Lisburn or Antrim, Tesco say the store will still be large enough for customers to do their main grocery shopping in the town.

The new store will also offer free carparking spaces for around 300 vehicles.

Tesco pledged to recruit as many people as possible from the local area.

At the time planning permission was granted in 2008 Colin Hampsey, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco said: "As Crumlin has a rapidly growing population, we have no doubt that this new store is needed in the area and will make the lives of the local people easier, saving them time and effort travelling to other towns to do their grocery shopping.

"In addition, the new store will include free car parking for around 300 vehicles and customers will be able to leave their car with us to walk to the other outlets in the town to finish off their shopping.

"As part of our commitment to the community we will recruit as many people as possible from the local area."

Local MLA Thomas Burns said he hoped the opening of the new 30,000 square foot store in Crumlin, would bring huge benefits to the whole village.

"It will be a big boost to Crumlin with the creation of over 200 jobs," he said. "These jobs are very welcome, especially at a time when there has been such an economic downturn."

He also said he hoped the new store will help bring about the re-opening of the railway line from Lisburn to Antrim.

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