Great Things in Store for Folkestone Town Centre
Folkestone’s new Bride Hall shopping centre could be home to a major Asda store.
News that the supermarket giant plans to take space in the new development was
announced on Tuesday (20 January) and heralds a significant milestone in town
centre redevelopment plans.
An Asda superstore was originally included in proposals for a multi-million
pound residential, leisure and hotel complex on Folkestone seafront.
The switch to the town centre site removes difficulties that the retail element
would have created when the planning application needed to be determined and
brings a huge boost to Folkestone’s shopping centre.
The Asda agreement was reached after successful negotiations between seafront
developers, Trent Developments Ltd, town centre developers, Bride Hall and the
council.
Council Leader, Cllr Linda Cufley, said the news was a great start to what
looked like being a great year for Folkestone.
“The people of Folkestone have waited a long time for the redevelopment of this
prime town centre site. News that Asda wants to come on board puts our town
centre back in the spotlight and should also enable a new seafront redevelopment
proposal to go ahead.”
Bride Hall will now submit a new planning application that will incorporate an
Asda supermarket on the first floor. The ground floor of the shopping centre
will cover 100,000 square feet and create a range of new shops including a 1,200
square feet unit for Asda’s fashion range and other non-food products.
Trent Developments will now submit revised proposals for the seafront
Alistair Shaw, Bride Hall Development’s Joint Managing Director, said:
“Asda’s commitment will be a huge boost for the town centre. Their presence will
attract other retailers offering the comparison shopping that we have always
endeavoured to deliver for Folkestone. A vast effort is now underway to finalise
the new design and submit our detailed application in March.”
Asda's Richard Frank said: " We're delighted that we are a step nearer to
bringing our unique range, fantastic value and great customer service to
Folkestone.
“This is a real win-win situation which will boost the town centre, create
hundreds of new jobs and regenerate a key seafront site, while fitting in with
the council's vision for the town.”
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