The option to build a larger food store and a hotel on land at St George’s Way in Newport is being sought by South Coast Leisure – but it will come at a cost of £175,000.
As previously reported by Island Echo, South Coast Leisure (SGL) are looking to build a retail and leisure development to include a discount food retailer, a 24-hour gym, a DIY/garden centre, a McDonalds drive-through restaurant and 2 other retail units at St George’s Park – the current home of Newport IW Football Club.
In 2015, SGL agreed to buy land situated next to the football ground from the Isle of Wight Council for a total of £350,000 with an option for ‘non-food retail’ uses. This was agreed, but in 2017 a variation was requested so that 2 food units could be included in the plans.
Now, due to changing market demands, a second variation is being sought for one of the food units to be increased to 19,200 sq. ft. with more flexibility regarding food retail space in the non-food retail units of up to 20% of the unit’s floor area. However, the second 11,000 sq. ft. food unit would be scrapped altogether if the non-food units could use 30% of their floor area for food sales.
The increase to 19,200 sq. ft. is being requested to meet the current new store format for a new operator coming into Newport, ruling out re-location for the likes of Co-Operative, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Morrisons.
The requested variation also asks if the development can be built in 2 phases, where the second phase can be developed piecemeal as and when demand permits, and be sold in separate freehold lots if necessary.
In addition, SGL are seeking hotel use to be permitted under the variation, which could pave the way for a brand new hotel to be built on the site. Newport already has a Premier Inn and a Travelodge.
If the variation is approved South Coast Leisure will pay a total of £525,000 for the land – an additional £175,000.
Council officers have recommended approval of South Coast Leisure’s request. The final decision will be taken under delegated powers after 20th May 2019.
It was said that work to relocate Newport IW FC would hopefully begin early in 2019, but that has failed to happen. It was also hoped that construction of the new retail park could begin this year to allow businesses to open in 2020.
Thought we were short of housing not retail development pulling trade from the town. Especially with empty units available on retail parks Councillors blind as per usual
More than likely on backhanders.
Yes definitely a lot of large back handers!
But on the other hand somewhere else to spend there benefits!!
Just up the road from pan perfect!!
How about more council houses!
Just what island needs, NOT
Yet another nail in the coffin of the high street.
I always thought that Asda was the thin edge of the wedge.
Really, not much thought gone here at all. How much will the council benefit from it ??
Classic case, get the permission then nibble away at the conditions and start asking for variations
Don’t they all,
Dont we need a modern health centre not retail
It beggars belief that this amended development will get through on the say so of one Councillor, who is protected by procedure and gets the thumbs up from a smart developer who will make substantial profit while existing businesses stand the losses!