New supermarket nears completion

By Tim Clarke 06/12 Updated: 07/12 17:14

Buy photos » Martyn Richardson, from Carillion Richardson, hands over the new supermarket building to architect Mike Payne, ASDA construction manager Janni Ishaq and project manager Derek Glass. (s)

BUILDING work has been completed on a new supermarket which will form the centrepiece of a £75million retail and leisure development in Lowesmoor.

ASDA were handed the keys to the new store by developer Carillion Richardson this week.

The supermarket giant will now start fitting out the inside of the building, which covers 125,000 square feet and will create more than 350 jobs when it opens next spring. It will also feature the George clothing range and be linked to a car park offering 500 spaces.

The huge store is at the very heart of the St Martin's Quarter, which when completed will feature 284,050 square feet of shops, restaurants, offices and leisure outlets including a gym.

Selwyn Rowley, from Carillion Richardson, said there had already been a great deal of interest in the development from businesses and retailers.

He said: "With the construction of the ASDA now complete we can really start to see the potential of the St Martin’s Quarter. It won’t be long before the public can start to enjoy this new leisure destination and the benefits of the development will have a major impact on the city.”

The new shopping and leisure quarter has incorporated elements of the old vinegar works and porcelain factory to help preserve the history of the site.

A virtual video tour of the St Martin’s Quarter is available online at http://www.lmmc.co.uk/st_martins_quarter/st_martins_quarter.html