Morrisons pulls the plug

Supermarket chain Morrisons has withdrawn plans for a store in Herne Bay town centre. The supermarket's move from its current Beach Street site to the town had been seen as key to Canterbury City Council plans for redevelopment.

Denne Construction was confirmed as developer for the £35 million scheme, including the new supermarket in 2009. But Morrisons has been unable to commit the cash for the new town centre building and will now stay at its current site.

The city council and development partners Coplan Estates and Denne Construction are looking at alternative proposals. CCC executive member for Herne Bay Regeneration, Cllr Peter Lee, said:

"Naturally, we regret that Morrisons has decided not to invest in a new building, but we remain very confident in the future of Herne Bay. Coplan Estates and Denne Construction share our passion for realising the town's potential, and we will all continue to work together closely.

We are continuing to deliver regeneration and we are working with local businesses and community groups to ensure the continued economic and social regeneration of Herne Bay."