SUPERMARKET giant Tesco revealed in November 2006 that they planned to rebuild it store in Yate on stilts as part of a major facelift for the shopping centre.

Plans were unveiled by Tesco and Yate Shopping Centre owners Dominion Trustees for a large two-storey Tesco Extra store, four new retail units on East Walk and a range of improved public facilities.

The planned Tesco store would have three times the floor space of its predecessor and would be based no two floors to offer an expanded range of goods and products.

The store would be placed on stilts so car parking spaces would not be lost to the proposed development, with shoppers using trolley escalators, stairs and lifts to move between floors.

Four large retail units would be build opposite the Tesco store on the side of the existing public toilets.

The aim of the complex operation – branded the Vision masterplan – was to spruce up and re-brand the shopping centre.

Plans and picture went on display in the former Shaws the Draper unit, on East Walk, for shoppers to inspect.

Julian Walker-Palin, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said the plans for expansion were down to public demand.

He said: “Since it opened about 24 years ago, the Yate store has proved extremely popular.

“It has recently undergone a major refurbishment but our customers are telling us that they want more choice and a wider selection of goods.

“The area is already restricted in terms of car parking and thus the only alternative we have if we are to satisfy our customers and ensure adequate parking is to build upwards, with car parking at ground level and shopping at the upper level.”

Proposals for the new development also included a new car park layout, public toilets and a transport “hub” for buses, taxis and community buses.

Dominion Corporate Trustees spokesman Gary Hale said: “Our research shows that there is a requirement to change the size of some retail units to increase the appeal to the major chains of national retailers.

“In addition, through the vision masterplan, we will be aiming to increase the leisure presence, making the centre more of a night-time feature; increasing the access from surrounding areas; enhancing the retail choice for our customers; and improving the public space and facilities.”