350 jobs boost as new store gets go-ahead

NORTH Down looks set to get a 350 strong jobs boost after plans for a new Sainsbury´s store at Bangor´s Balloo Retail Park were given the green light.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced his decision to approve plans for the new Sainsbury´s store, near the existing Homebase outlet, on Monday (8th) morning.

Speaking to the Spectator at the site, Minister Poots said he was hopeful construction of the new retail store and Homebase refurbishment would begin in the near future.

He said, "I was talking to the developer who would hope to move quite quickly, in terms of getting tenders, (and) the construction element would take place quickly hereafter. Which is a boost for the (construction) industry which has suffered substantial decline over the past two years." 

Minister Poots continued, “This approval will see the development of a new modern store and will be a welcome boost in terms of job creation with approximately 350 full and part time jobs.”

The application is for part demolition of existing buildings and structures and the construction of a new retail store, extension and reconfiguration of the existing retail warehouse unit and garden centre.
The plans also include installation of a replacement mezzanine floor, provision of two retail warehouse units and associated highway, footpath, landscape and other works and improvements.

Chris Templeman, Sainsbury´s head of property development, said, “We are delighted with the department’s decision to grant planning permission for this proposal.

"The Bangor development represents a multimillion pound investment which includes the provision of a new Sainsbury’s store and a refurbished Homebase."