Tesco without food could be the answer - O'Dowd

A TESCO 'Extra' store at the Outlet which does not sell food could be an ideal compromise to the current impasse over the development, Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd said this week.

Mr O’Dowd has sought a meeting with representatives of the Bridgewater Park scheme to discuss a compromise deal over the proposed Tesco superstore in order to “secure the economical sustainability and growth of the Banbridge District Council area”.

He said, “The question is not whether Bridgewater should be developed or not, but how it should be developed to compliment Banbridge town centre, rather than be in competition with it.

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“Tesco already has planning permission for a sizeable extension to its existing Banbridge store and we are currently exploring the feasibility of the company expanding its store in Banbridge town centre and building, at the Outlet centre, an ‘Extra’ store which would not sell food, but other goods to attract customers from outside the area.

“We believe this could offer a solution which would allow for the continued economic stability of Banbridge town centre, while providing for the expansion and sustainability of the Outlet.”

Mr O’Dowd said his party was not convinved that a food retail expansion outside the town centre would create new jobs.

“Studies into retail show that such developments actually displace existing jobs which are not always replaced with jobs that provide a similar economic benefit to local society,” he added. “Any immediate net employment gain created through the building process is unlikely to be of such significance that it would justify the risk of the long-term decimation of the town centre and damage to the local economy.

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“Those who argue that our view is based on some form of Craigavon prejudice need to realise the people who currently work in the shops in Banbridge are local people and the people who service those shops are local people and many of the suppliers to those shops are from the Banbridge Council area. Local economics is at the centre of our thinking and needs to be the centre of this debate.”

Mr O’Dowd stressed the importance of local politicians taking a broad and long-term view of economic and social issues when dealing with planning matters which have a long-term impact.

“Within a few years, councils will have the responsibility for planning policy, as one of its new functions under the Review of Public Administration,” he said.

Sinn Fein will, in the coming days and weeks, attempt to seek a positive resolution to the issue which will ensure the retention of jobs and the creation of new ones for the Banbridge area.”