Tesco pulls plug on giant Hull supermarket

TESCO has pulled out of plans for a huge new superstore, the Mail can reveal.

The retail giant has confirmed it is no longer going ahead with a proposed superstore in Anlaby Road, which had been earmarked for the former Tradex site.

Plans for the development, which would have created about 330 jobs, as well as about 100 during the construction phase, were first announced in 2010 and at first were met with controversy.

Initially refused by council planners on the grounds it would harm local trade, the decision was overturned in August 2010, prompting jubilation among residents who said it would revitalise the area.

Hundreds of people promptly applied for jobs.

However, yesterday, a spokesman for Tesco said: "We have recently been reviewing our new store schemes across the UK and, following this review, we have decided not to proceed with the proposed new Tesco store. We are proud to serve communities across the city and, following careful consideration, we have decided not to proceed with our proposed new store in Anlaby Road.

"We understand some people will be disappointed and wanted to see the new Tesco store come forward. This is not a decision we have taken lightly."

Tracey Henry, of Sefton Street, west Hull, was one of the residents who had supported the scheme.

She said: "I'm devastated. This is not good news at all.

"The site has been derelict for so long and it is not good for the area.

"This was meant to bring jobs here, as well as people and businesses.

"Some people were against it as they said it would affect other businesses in the area but I believe anything that creates jobs should be welcomed. I think it would have brought more people here."

Mike #, former chairman of the Plowden Road and Kempton Road Residents' Association, was initially against the development.

However, he said he was now disappointed Tesco had pulled out.

"The site is such an eyesore," said Mr Rands.

"Anlaby Road seems to be the one main road in Hull that is just not seeing any investment at all.

"Originally, I was concerned Tesco would affect other businesses nearby. It is always a gamble when a new superstore opens – it could either help other businesses by bringing people in or harm them.

"But this has been dragging on now for three or four years, so now I'd like to see it happen."

Councillor Alan Clark, who represents the Newington ward, said he was "absolutely gutted".

He said: "This planning application has been around for three years but the site has been derelict for much longer than that.

"For three year now, we have been kept on a hook, waiting for it to go ahead.

"We are absolutely devastated this redevelopment isn't going to happen."

However, while many are disappointed from a jobs point of view, others have welcomed the news.

There are already eight Tesco stores in Hull, including an Express store two-minutes' walk away from the proposed site, and the huge Tesco Extra Store in St Stephen's shopping centre is less than two miles away.

Planning committee member councillor Nadine Fudge said she did not think the city needed another superstore.

In 2010, she had warned the planned development would cause job losses among local businesses.

She said: "We already have a big Asda in that area and superstores across the city.

"I don't want to see Hull turned into a superstore city, as I fear it would lead to the loss of a lot of our current independent stores.

"They cannot afford to compete with the likes of Tesco."

Hopes are now hanging on a new buyer coming forward who will transform the site and revitalise the area.

Cllr Clark said he was seeking a meeting with the portfolio holder for regeneration to see whether there was anything which could be done locally to get the ball rolling on the site.

He said: "Tesco have said they are actively looking for a buyer and we will be doing all we can to try to get things moving."

Tesco confirmed it was now marketing the site with a view to letting or selling it to any interested parties.

The spokesman said: "Our stores in Hull remains exceptionally popular with customers.

"We will continue to serve our customers across Hull in our existing stores."