EXCLUSIVE: Work is finally set to begin on the much-anticipated ASDA development in Newport, around 6 years since the supermarket giant first showed interest in opening their first Island store.
Before the store and associated petrol station and car park can be built, major highway improvement works must take place with a brand new two-lane roundabout built, a spine road linking towards Bluebell Meadows and the widening of the carriageway. The Shide Road junction will also be signalised with traffic lights under the scheme.
Island Echo understands that the majority of the work will take place off the main Sandown to Newport road until around early-September, when traffic restrictions will then come into force as the new roundabout takes shape. Work is set to begin within a matter of weeks, possibly even before the end of the month.
Under the development Pan Lane will become a dead-end road, however it is currently unknown when this will take place.
The brand new 45,000 sq ft store will include 400 car parking spaces, a petrol station likely to be offering the cheapest fuel on the Island, plus a café, electric car charging points and easy pedestrian access to Newport Town.
Last year ASDA told Island Echo that they hoped the store would open in Spring 2017, based on the roadworks beginning around 6 months ago.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has told Island Echo:
“The Isle of Wight Council is in discussion with Island Roads for the delivery of highway improvements in the St George’s area of Newport, which ultimately will facilitate development of the adjoining land. We hope to be able to announce details of this work programme shortly.
Article continues below this advertisement “The majority of work will be off of the highway and, therefore, no significant disruption is anticipated on St Georges Way during the summer season”.
