Is a superstore super news?

A huge Sainbury's and petrol station on the edge of Herne Bay - this would be on the ill-fated and currently languishing Altira site.

There's no indication in the press reports as to where exactly, but I assume it would be east of the existing developments at Altira, between the A299 Thanet Way and the railway line.

Big news for a small town, and not all of it good news.

Up:

• employment opportunities for Herne Bayers (and for anyone else who can travel along the A299)
• their salaries would inject money into the local economy
• Herne Bayers who usually shop in a supermarket will have one nearer to home - time saved, fewer miles travelled, reduced pollution
• a decent supermarket can give the town a lift, making it more attractive to people and businesses looking to relocate
• the superstore would take Altira up to the occupancy level which would oblige Kitewood to make good on its contractual obligation to build a pedestrian bridge at Blacksole
• ... do feel free to suggest more

Down:

• having a single large employer leaves the town vulnerable to the eggs-in-one-basket problem... think Pfizer
• Sainsbury's would be exporting their profits to Galactic HQ, wherever that is, and converting it into shareholder dividends
• the small petrol stations in town couldn't hope to match Sainsbury's prices and discounts
• the small food retailers - butchers, bakers, greengrocers and so on - would be in serious jeopardy, and they're having a hard enough time as it is
• ... do feel free to suggest more 

Then, of course, there is the impact on the CDA - the Central Development Area proposal to convert the William Street car park area into a small-scale clone town. This has been a shining example of greedy stupidity (on the part of both the Council and the developers) from the outset, and has centred on building a large new supermarket next to, er, a medium-sized old supermarket. The Council and the developers egged eachother on into believing this was great plan, and are now shaking their heads in bewilderment, having run into the brick wall of commercial reality.

Even before "austerity" became a freshly recycled buzzword, times were hard in retail. Any major operator thinking of investing millions in a store that they would want to last for a decade or two, would want a healthy catchment area, and they would want it to themselves. Why move in next door to one of your major competitors? And if Morrisons up-sized and moved into the new store, who would want their cast-offs?

For these (and probably a number of other good reasons), the negotiations between the Council and whoever was interested faltered and fell, leaving the whole project in suspension, and everything around it in confusion, uncertainty and blight. If Sainsbury's open a superstore on the edge of town, that will restrict the number of operators who might be interested in the CDA.

If we broadly divide the national chains into "upmarket" and "budget", Sainsbury's fall into the upmarket end. Commercial reality dictates that another upmarket operator in the CDA would have to compete directly with Sainsbury's for their customers. On the other hand, a budget operator would be serving a different "market segment", and might be able to make a go of it. A budget supermarket will do little if anything to lift and regenerate the town centre.

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Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s have drawn up plans to build a superstore on the outskirts of Herne Bay three years after talks to build a town centre store. The supermarket chain is looking to build a 95,000 square feet store - equivalent to nine football pitches - and filling station at Altira Park.

They were thought to be one of three supermarkets looking to build at the Kings Road car park as part of £35 million plans to regenerate the town centre. However, the latest plans were revealed by property developers Terrace Hill who announced the Altira Park development as part of a six-month report.

They said they had signed a pre-letting agreement with Sainsbury’s and hope to submit plans to Canterbury city council at the end of the year. They added that they wanted to complete the development midway through 2014.

Herne Bay coastal manager Chris West said he had not been aware of the development but said it was not likely to detract from plans for a supermarket in the town centre. He said: 

"It is difficult to comment until we can look at the plans and decide whether it will be a good thing for the town or not."

However, he did cite Tesco on the edge of Whitstable as an example of an out-of-town supermarket which had not hindered the town centre.

However, one resident has voiced concerns saving the regeneration of the town centre needs to be the priority. Geoff Wimble, 64, of Sea Street, said: 

"I’m not impressed to be honest. Over the last 20 years they have hastened the degeneration of this town with the closure of recreation and caravan sites. When we were told we were getting Sainsbury’s in the town we were happy but it was shielded by Canterbury city council and Southern Water because it was a flood risk.

If that’s the case then the whole regeneration footprint is a flood risk, they are blocking out what they don’t want to deal with. It would have been good to open it in the town centre but they dropped out of the deal when they couldn’t get the Stagecoach site."

HB Gazette 14th June 2012 - Jamie Bullen jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

Tesco target Herne Bay

Town may become infested with Britain's greediest retail parasite.

Tesco has shocked Bay traders by announcing plans for a third store in the town. The supermarket giant wants to open a Tesco Express in Sea Street, despite still facing furious opposition over its plans to convert a pub in Herne.

It already runs a store in Canterbury Road and there is a large Tesco Extra a few miles away, near Whitstable. The new shop would be located opposite the Ford showroom, and local independent traders are unhappy at the prospect.

Bhajan Singh, 53, who runs The Local convenience store in Sea Street, admitted he was "very worried" by the news. He said:

"I only started running this shop in March last year so it's not the news I would have hoped for. It's going to be a big, big problem for us. I haven't received any contact from Tesco about it and had hoped it was just a rumour, but this has confirmed my worst fears."

Town manager Chris West said:

"I am concerned about our independent businesses, which are one of the town's strengths. I know in some areas it can increase footfall and business for other traders. But it seems strange they are opening so many smaller stores when the council has been actively looking for a major supermarket as part of plans to redevelop the town centre. They seem to be homing in on the area, which in a way is a compliment as they probably scent an opportunity. But I'm not sure if a national retailer opening up stores all over the town is what we need."

Chamber of Commerce boss Michael Khoury said:

"They destroy small businesses. It's completely over the top how they just come in everywhere. I'm 100 per cent opposed to it."

But some shoppers welcomed the news, saying it would be convenient to have a supermarket nearby. A letter sent by Tesco's Carol Leslie to Sea Street businesses and residents said:

"As a future neighbour, I'm pleased to let you know that we propose to open a Tesco Express convenience store at the former car showroom at Sea Street, Herne Bay, Kent. Part of the site already has permission for retail use in the form of the existing bathroom showroom fronting Sea Street. However we will be submitting an application for change of use to the car showroom and other minor applications. The building works will be kept to a minimum and we will be able to confirm an exact date nearer the time."

thisiskent 27th Jan 2012

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The Tescopoly Alliance was launched in June 2005 to highlight and challenge the negative impacts of Tesco's behaviour along its supply chains both in the UK and internationally, on small businesses, on communities and the environment. The campaign also advocates national and international legislation needed to curb the market power of all the major British supermarkets.

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"Free" parking for Herne Bay

A free parking scheme could be launched in Herne Bay to compete with out-of-town shopping centres like Westwood Cross. Town boss Chris West wants businesses to refund parking tickets to people who spend £10 or more in their shops.

He hopes to convince at least 20 traders to sign up to the proposal, which he says could be introduced by the spring. He said:

“It would work by having the parking meters modified so they produced two tickets. One would be displayed in the car and the other would be redeemed at a participating retailer. I am going to try and get businesses to support this by asking them to refund up to two hours parking providing a customer spends £10 or more in their shop. A sign will be displayed on the meters with a list of participating businesses and each shop will have a window sticker. To make it work I estimate I’ll need around 20 businesses to participate.”

A letter will be sent to all businesses in the town this week asking them to support the scheme, the brainwave of Roger’s Menswear owner Tony Symonds. He said:

“I had this idea a few years ago. One of the biggest concerns people shopping in the town have is paying for parking. This scheme would put us on a level playing field with the out-of-town shopping centres. Businesses can set their own limits on how much customers have to spend and put it down as a business expense, so it becomes tax-deductible. We make money, the council makes money and the shoppers save money. It would also put Herne Bay in the unique position of being the first town in the area to offer a free parking scheme like this.

Council spokesman Steve James said:

“There would be cost implications because we would have to update the software in our meters and put new tickets in them. We would want as little cost as possible to be passed on to the council tax payer. Theoretically it should be  fine – we are just looking into it.”

kentonline 5th Jan 2012

The Upper Red Lion at Herne, Tesco, and Peter Vickery-Jones

What do the locals make of the tale of an old village pub, a greedy supermarket and a local Councillor? Disgusting, stupid, ignorant... and they're not talking about the pub or the supermarket.

Here's how the tale has been unfolding over the last couple of weeks in the HB Gazette. The pub closed in March 2011, and is up for sale at £¼m. Tesco will take it off Punch Tavern's hands if they can get planning permission, although both sides are being tight-lipped about the deal. Ignoring the concerns of local businesses, Cllr Vickery-Jones wades in, spouting daftness.

It's worth noting at this point that Tesco are perfectly happy to throw their considerable weight around to get what they want. Canterbury City Council opposed their planning applications for an Express store in Herne Bay (for a number of good reasons) but Tesco just kept bludgeoning away, running up costs, and escalating it to the Secretary of State until CCC just gave up. As a result, we now have an accident black spot on the main road into Herne Bay, as shoppers swerve in to park on the pavement outside Tesco, and then lurch backwards into the flow of traffic to go home. Thanks, guys.

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HBG Sept 22nd: Supermarket giant Tesco is believed to have expressed an interest in buying the empty Upper Red Lion pub.

It is understood the national chain wants to turn the pub into an Express store if negotiations and a planning application are successful. City council town co-ordinator Chris West was among those told about a possible deal this week. He said:

"Apparently they're looking to buy the building and turn it into a new Express store. I don't know how true it is, but the person who told me is a pretty reliable source. They deal in property and said they'd caught wind of it. Obviously if it were true there would be concerns from local businesses, but Tesco would need to get planning permission anyway. It certainly sounds like it's something within their remit."

The pub closed in March and was put up for sale by owner Punch Taverns for offers of more than £250,000. It was listed as being suitable for "alternative uses". But Punch Taverns spokesman Leila Maia wouldn't be drawn on who it was in talks with. She said:

"It is always our preference that our pubs continue to trade as pubs. However, we do review our estate regularly and may explore other options around the future of our less sustainable sites, or where they might better fulfil their potential for the local community under different ownership. We are looking at different options around the future of the Upper Red Lion, including marketing the pub for sale, and are talking to interested parties."

Tesco spokesman Carol Leslie was just as cagey, saying:

"We are always on the look out for possible new sites all over the country and are often in negotiations for suitable schemes for Express stores. However, these often never materialise. Until an agreement is reached we would not comment on individual cases."

Herne councillor Peter Vickery-Jones had also heard Tesco was interested, but says it could face parking problems. He said:

"It's an extraordinary move. I can't really believe they'd buy a plot of that nature, but who knows. Maybe they can buy the School Lane car park from the council and we can all enjoy some free parking. From the perspective of what a shop there would offer, it has to be good for the area. There isn't anywhere around there like it."

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The pages fly off the wall calendar, and all of a sudden, it's a week later. Rather than only hearing from the supermarket, the landlord and the councillor, we now get to hear from some of the people who matter - the local residents...

HBG Sept 29th Letters

I read with amazement the rumours regarding the development of the Red Lion Pub in Herne ('Checking out rumours of pub becoming store', Herne Bay Gazette, September 22). My incredulity wasn't so much with the notion that Tesco would consider developing a pub in a beautiful village and totally destroying the area, but with the complete ignorance and stupidity of Herne councillor Peter Vickery-Jones. I quote: "From the perspective of what a shop there would offer, it has to be good for the area. There isn't anywhere around there like it."

Has he ever visited Herne? Does he have eyes? Has he not seen the shop that is right next to the site and serves the community so very well? Has he ever visited Herne Bay and seen the Tesco Express there? And has he ever considered why there isn't anywhere around there like it? Maybe because it is a beautiful village with character, not another Tesco town! I think he should consider resigning from his position as I'm not sure how he can represent Heme when he has obviously demonstrated his ignorance of the village!

Steve Owen, Aspen Road, Herne Common, Herne

I am a local shop owner who is worried and disgusted by plans for another Tesco Express store. There is already a Tesco Express store less than two miles away in Herne Bay. That was opened in the middle of two shops which are now suffering as a result. I am also confused about Punch Tavern's decision to consider selling the site to a supermarket. Pubs are always complaining about supermarkets selling alcohol at a loss and this leading to pubs to close down, which is a bit ironic.

I am also disgusted that a local Councillor is in favour of a Tesco Express, does he not realise what effect it would have on the area and local business, especially the shop next door and the pub opposite? He may be a councillor but he's out of touch with his local community. If the shop and post office next door is forced to close down, this would have a big impact on the elderly people who use them locally. It is not what the local businesses who have been serviced the local community there for many years deserve.

I think before Tesco is granted permission to open up another store, however, there should be a proper investigation on how it will affect the area. I think it has more disadvantages than advantages. They should also look at other similar projects and see what effects it had on those areas. I have tried to put my anger and worries into these few words but can't express my feelings enough.

Sedat Duymus, Hawe Farm Way, Broomfield, Herne Bay

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Mr Kumanan, the local newsagent, clearly has a much better grasp of the implications of Tesco's plans than his local councillor does. Maybe they should swap jobs.

HBG Sept 29th: A village newsagent says his 80-year-old shop will be forced to close if Tesco moves in next door.

Thiruvalluvar Kumanan was speaking after the Gazette revealed last week that the supermarket giant is in talks to take over the empty Red Lion Pub in Herne. The dad-of-two has run Herne Village Stores next door for the last four years, but the shop has been there for at least 80. He said:

"We won't stand a chance, but what can we do? We can't compete with someone as big as Tesco. They just do whatever they want, whenever they want and wherever they want. It's just not fair."

Mr Kumanan's wife Priya called Punch Taverns, owners of the Upper Red Lion, two weeks ago and says she was told they were negotiating with Tesco. The pub has been empty since March and has been up for sale for offers of more than £250,000. Mr Kumanan said:

"If it happens it will be the end of us. You've only got to look at what effect they've had on smaller businesses elsewhere. They just muscle in and take all the trade. It makes me so angry.

I've got two children and a family to support and this will really affect our livelihood. It will even affect people in the area because they will have massive delivery lorries coming everyday and will be open until 10pm or 11pm every night. We close at 7.30pm. It wouldn't surprise me if they actually changed the road layout for Tesco as well - they seem to do everything else. I'd love to fight it, but I know whatever we say or do won't count."

Tesco has so far refused to confirm if it is interested in the site, with spokesman Carol Leslie saying last week:

"We are always on the lookout for possible new sites all over the country and are often in negotiations for suitable schemes for Express stores. However, these often never materialise. Until an agreement is reached we would not comment on individual cases."

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The Tescopoly Alliance was launched in June 2005 to highlight and challenge the negative impacts of Tesco's behaviour along its supply chains both in the UK and internationally, on small businesses, on communities and the environment. The campaign also advocates national and international legislation needed to curb the market power of all the major British supermarkets.

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Host of opportunities to put town on the map

A town on the up – that was the message from town manager Chris West for councillors. Mr West said Herne Bay was enjoying notable retail successes, including the opening of independent shop Berries Cake-Away and the arrival of clothing chain Peacocks.

At a meeting of the town's area member panel last week he also reported that the Bay had one of Kent's lowest numbers of empty shops at 5.4 per cent. This is in stark contrast to Margate with 37 per cent. Peter Lee, councillor for West Bay, spoke about the recent departure of Currys from the town centre. He said:

"I understand that Currys moved out even earlier than their lease required as Peacocks were so eager to get in. I think that's encouraging for the town."

Herne Bay in Bloom was also on the agenda. Councillor for Heron, Ron Flaherty suggested that tall weeds being allowed to grow in the town detracted from the Herne Bay in Bloom effort. He said:

"What are the judges going to think when they turn up and see huge weeds all over the place."

Mr West responded by saying that weed spraying would take place before judging of the competition took place. Volunteers for the Big Clean in Herne Bay were thanked for their efforts. Many gave up their lunch to collect litter, pull out weeds and generally clean up the town. Mr West also outlined plans for a marketing campaign to promote the Bay as a tourist destination. He said:

"We've got a great opportunity, with the Turner in Margate people can be drawn to Herne Bay as well."

An advertising campaign involving train station billboards within an hour radius, bus adverts and social networking aims to encourage day trippers and tourists on longer breaks. It will start at the beginning of July and continue until mid August.

HB Times 23rd Jun 2011

Can cash will boost the pier

Campaigners have come up with a canny way to raise cash for Herne Bay pier. Trustees hoping to see the pier revamped and rebuilt have set up special bins to recycle cans and could earn up to £600 per tonne of other peoples' rubbish.

The bins have been positioned at the entrance to the pier, with more to come throughout the town, and the scheme was officially launched on Monday by members of the Herne Bay Pier Trust. Spokesman Andy Newell said:

"It could raise a lot of money for us and it's good for the town as well. It will improve the environment and keep the town clear of cans. It should also save room in recycling sacks because people will only need to put paper, card and plastic in if they bring their cans to us."

Mr Newell and other supporters are hoping to get town pubs, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets involved. He thanked council officials, including David Williamson from Serco and town manager Chris West, for their support, adding:

"They have been instrumental in getting this concept off the ground."

The group is still hoping to attract more members to lobby for improvements at the pier. The sports centre is due to be demolished next year and officials will then consult on what should replace it. A public meeting to update supporters on progress at the pier will take place at 7.30pm on Monday, November 15 at the cafe on the pier.

This is Kent 29th Oct 2010

Pier fund-raising

HB Times 28th Oct 2010

Positive feedback over development

HB Gazette 7th Oct 2010

Historic Inn reopening

The Ship lnn is afloat again. After months of being boarded up, she’s ready to take on passengers. The man behind the transformation is 48-year-old businessman Tony Farrow, who has sunk thousands into the venture. He said: “I’d rather not think about the cost. It’s an awful lot. But Herne Bay needs a venue like this.”

He is steering the 285-year old seafront pub upmarket in a bid to win back custom from mums and dads. Mr Farrow who also runs Kings Caterers and is the main booker of acts at the Kings Hall, said:

“Herne Bay has a number of good pubs but not many for mums and dads. I want it to be reassuringly expensive. Our beers will be £3.20 a pint but we will provide complementary nibbles and olives at the bar. Herne Bay is screaming out for a pub like this. I want it to be like the way pubs were, rather than the way they are. We have put in beers like Bass, Flowers, Stella, Becks, draught cider and Guinness and taken out Sky TV, the pool table and the jukebox.”

Town manager Chris West has seen it and is chuffed to bits.

“I am hoping we are out of the worst of the recession and 2010 will be a good year: I’d like this to be an asset for the town and help it grow again.“

He has retained the old world atmosphere of the ancient timber beams, but decked the inside with refurbished furniture from the posh Hilton hotel chain. He has also taken on former Wine Bar boss Trevor Knight and newcomer Simon Wildon as managers. Simon has been head-hunted from Anchor Catering which supplies Kings Caterers. Mr Farrow said:

“He is new to the pub trade but really good with customers. All the bar staff are people who have helped me at Kings Caterers.”

There has been a building on the Central Parade site since 1383 and an ale house since 1725. The new venture, backed by Enterprise Inns, has created eight full-time jobs including three in the new-look kitchen. Mr Farrow who started his career selling food to pubs, took over the building on December 21. It reopens on Thursday February 11th.

HB Times 2010-02-04

Iceland comes to Herne Bay!

Mums may go to Iceland, but the frozen food giant is coming to Herne Bay. A new store is taking over the old Woolworths site in Mortimer Street and could open by the end of March after the popular supermarket chain snapped up the building last week. It was one of 51 empty Woolworths stores added to Iceland's catalogue of more than 700 nationwide. The move has ended speculation bubbling around the town since the site was boarded-up at the end of last month.

The imminent arrival of Iceland, famously promoted by troubled celebrity Kerry Katona with the slogan 'That's why mums go to Iceland,' has been welcomed by other businesses in the town - including those who could be in direct competition with the national retailer. Brian Tutt has run his self-named butchers shop in the High Street for 35 years.

"It's nice to see the shop filled. I can't see business being affected because we sell different quality foods. We only sell fresh meat, whereas Iceland also sell groceries and are a cheaper version. I'd like to think we have a loyal clientele, but speak to me again in six months and I'll let you know how we're getting on."

Steve Lynch, owner of High Street grocers Fresh & Fruity, also welcomed its arrival.

"It's going to bring people to the town so it can't be a bad thing. I think Iceland is one of the better supermarkets so it'll be nice to see them in Herne Bay. I can't see it affecting our business because so many places do groceries anyway."

Town centre manager Chris West was pleased to see the empty store occupied so quickly.

"It's really good news. We were obviously concerned the building would remain empty for some time but we understand Iceland hope to open within two-and-a-half months. Hopefully the new store will generate footfall and won't really be in direct competition with any other shops in the town. I think it's a fantastic move and the ideal replacement for Woolworths. The store will bring more to Herne Bay, particularly at that end of Mortimer Street and there's room for everyone to benefit. Hopefully Iceland will attract those shoppers who might otherwise visit the bigger retail outlets."

Iceland marketing director Nick Canning confirmed news of the move this week.

"In response to widespread media speculation, I can confirm that following the successful acquisition of 51 Woolworth stores, Iceland will be creating in the region of 2,500 jobs across the country in the coming year. This is in addition to our existing new store opening programme. We are confident we can help support the local community in Herne Bay who have lost a major high street retailer in Woolworths. We aim to develop our business in 2009 by continuing to offer our customers fantastic value everyday, across our range of frozen, grocery and chilled products. We look forward to becoming part of the Herne Bay community and helping build a bright future for 2009."

thisiskent 12th Jan 2009