Tesco plan gets green light

The plan is to build an 80,000 square feet store close to the Halfords bike store near Rushmere Shopping Centre.

The complex will be a Tesco Extra store similar to others around Northern Ireland, and will create hundreds of new jobs.

The legal bid to stop the project was halted in the courts, meaning the developer is now clear to start work almost immediately.

The news will be seen as another blow for Lurgan town centre, with

yet another major attraction heading to the central Craigavon area.

Colin Hampsey, corporate affairs manager for Tesco said: "We are delighted with the recent news that the judicial review for our proposed new store in Craigavon, in partnership with local developer

Turkington's has been lifted.

“This will allow construction to begin on the new extra store. The store, located next to B&Q, will create hundreds of new jobs in the area as well as securing positions in the construction industry.

“We believe this is a real vote of confidence in Craigavon and will be announcing further details on this exciting new Tesco development in the very near future."

It is likely that the company will close their existing smaller store

in Rushmere once the new store is completed.

It 's understood the Highfield site will also have an integrated car park, and will be a major boost for the entire site, where B&Q is the current major tenant.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the withdrawal of the judicial proceedings was a 'victory for common sense'.

He added: "The withdrawal of these court cases is good news for Craigavon.

"It will provide greater confidence for the development industry in the area and has lifted the uncertainty for some major schemes – particularly the planning approval granted for a new Tesco store and the planned expansion at Rushmere Shopping Centre."

He went on: “I hope these developments will now proceed quickly giving a much needed boost to local employment and the economy of the Craigavon, Portadown and Lurgan areas.”

He said that now the uncertainty surrounding the local plan for Craigavon, Portadown and Lurgan town centres had been lifted, a sound framework for future commercial development and investment decisions in the area could be created.

Do you agree with Edwin Poots, will the expansion at Craigavon boost Lurgan's economy? Have your say by texting the 'MAIL' on 81800, remember to start your message LMCOMMENT. (Editor's note: Please try to avoid foul language).