New branch of Tesco to open in Dursley (From Gazette Series)

New branch of Tesco to open in Dursley

AFTER years of speculation is was confirmed this week that Tesco are to build build a supermarket in Dursley.

The project, which was first muted two decades ago, is finally ready to go ahead, with early 2007 earmarked as the completion date.

The contract for the site has yet to be signed but both Tesco and Stroud District Council are both keen that the plan goes ahead.

Tesco have said they will build a 20,000 sq ft store in the centre of the town just off Castle Street.

Andrew Slight, the chain's corporate affairs manager, said: "We look forward to bringing a Tesco to the centre of Dursley.

"It is an exciting opportunity for us and we hope that people in the area will be excited by the access, choice, quality and value that Tesco offers."

Mr Slight added that the supermarket would primarily be a food store, with an in-store bakery and delicatessen.

There will also be a range of non-food products including newspapers, magazines, CDs and DVDs.

SDC cabinet member for regeneration and tourism, Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, saw the announcement as a massive boost for Dursley.

"We welcome the chance to work with Tesco to bring about this huge step forward for the town. Things are happening in Dursley."

The deal between Tesco, SDC, Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud College will give the town more than just a new supermarket.

A brand new fire station is to be built at Kingshill because the existing one is on the site that Tesco will take over.

Much-needed funding will also be pumped into a revamped Dursley Youth Centre and sporting facilities for Rednock School.

Tesco had previously failed to reach an agreement to bring a supermarket to the town, which resulted in the site being remarketed last year. However, the group won the bidding the second time around.