Supermarkets everywhere

You know how it is - there you are waiting for a supermarket, and then a whole load of them come along at once... Developer Terrace Hill want to slap a large Sainsbury's on the Altira Tumbleweed Park at the edge of town. They're also proposing a load of business space, which is a bit surprising given that Altira is dedicated to providing business space, but that's their call.

This proposal has already caused a spat and some name-calling amongst the HB Town Partners - there are concerns over the implications for the Central Area Development (a.k.a. William Street Car Park Clone Town). And more recently, another development proposal has popped up - redeveloping the HB Golf Club course - which also features a supermarket.

Is there a collective noun for supermarkets? Whatever it is, we might end up with one.

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£40 million Sainsbury's store and offices promise 300 jobs for Herne Bay

Three hundred jobs are promised for Herne Bay in a massive £40 million development featuring a new Sainsbury's store - developers Terrace Hill confirmed the deal on 3rd October.

The store and a range of offices will be built on the Altira business park just outside the town. Plans will go on show at the Table Table restaurant opposite the Premier Inn next Friday, October  12, from noon to 4pm and  Saturday October 13 from 10am to 2pm. Nigel Wakefield, development director at Terrace Hill said:

"The proposals represent a major commitment to local jobs and investment. This area has some of the highest levels of unemployment in the district. The scheme will make a real difference to the local economy. Herne Bay has suffered from a lack of investment. This scheme could act as a catalyst to further development at Altira Park and in the town centre. We are keen to work with the local community and the city council to ensure that we maximise the regeneration potential for the town."

The proposals comprise:

• A 60,000 square feet Sainsbury's food store
• 20,000 square feet of business starter units for local enterprises
• A further 10,000 square feet of business units built in response to demand
• A long-awaited upgrading of Blacksole Bridge over the railway line.

Planning permission was first granted for the park nearly ten years ago. It is expected the Sainsbury's store will create 300 full and part-time jobs. A further 60 could be created from the new business units. It is estimated an additional 225 construction jobs will be needed for the building work.

Jobs at the new Sainsbury's would be supported by a training and development programme including qualifications in English and maths or key skill areas. Sainsbury's also works with MENCAP, Job Centre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council.

Terrace Hill spokesman Rob Allaway said:

"Sainsbury's will provide much-needed choice for locals.  The majority of residents currently travel out of Herne Bay for their main food shop in Canterbury and Whitstable. Providing local choice is better for local people, local businesses and the environment."

Terrace Hill is now consulting on the proposals. For more information visit www.terracehill-hernebay.co.uk

thisiskent John Nurden 3rd Oct 2012