Waitrose receive “overwhelmingly positive response” to extension plans for Saffron Walden store
PROPOSALS for an extension to Waitrose’s Saffron Walden store have drawn an “overwhelmingly positive response” at a public exhibition held at the weekend.
PROPOSALS for an extension to Waitrose’s Saffron Walden store have drawn an “overwhelmingly positive response” at a public exhibition held at the weekend.
The plans to extend the well-established town centre store are designed to make more efficient use of the premises, extending and refurbishing the store to provide customers with a bright, contemporary shopping environment and improving the layout, choice of products and car parking facilities.
A total of 827 people attended the exhibition, held at an empty shop in the High Street on Friday and Saturday. Waitrose also invited nearby retailers and residents living close to the site to discuss the proposed extension plans.
To date 399 forms have been returned with over 95.7 per cent supporting the proposals outright; 1.5 per cent did not support the proposal and 11 people were undecided.
The project team is currently assessing the feedback received and hope to submit an application in the autumn. If this is successful, Waitrose aims to launch a newly extended store and improved car parking in 2012.
Branch manager, Malcolm Domb, said: “Our store has been at the heart of the town now for nearly 25 years and we are keen to continue our commitment and investment in this important location.
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“The extension would see the choice and experience in the store be improved and we have been overwhelmed by just how well received the proposal has been and would like to thank everyone who provided their feedback.
“It has been extremely encouraging to see that the vast majority of those who registered their comments share our confidence that an extension to the store and improvements of the car park will bring great benefits to the town centre.
“It is an exciting opportunity, which would not only improve the shopping experience in the store but create new jobs for the local area, and ensure Saffron Walden town centre continues to be a vibrant retail destination.”
He added: “We hope that the additional information which will be supplied with our application will give councillors the confidence to approve the scheme”
DID you attend the public exhibition? What did you think of the plans? E-mail us at saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk
