Sainsburys

A Sainsbury’s superstore is earmarked for Beacon Park, with hundreds of jobs set to be created in Gorleston.

The retail giant hopes to serve new-build homes near to the £7.5m Wellington business park - which is currently under construction - making it a thriving part of town.

Store bosses have reached an agreement with the council over plans, and are hoping to submit a planning application by the end of the year.

Robert Oxley, development executive at Sainsbury’s, said: “We see this as a great opportunity to bring a first class food store to Beacon Park and the wider Gorleston area.

“The new store will create hundreds of new local jobs and will provide more choice for shoppers.

“We look forward to discussing the plans with the local community in the coming months.”

A council masterplan for Beacon Park envisages the retail centre so new residents and those already living nearby will not have to rely on cars for shopping.

And while planning permission has not yet been granted, council bosses have welcomed the store in principal.

Trevor Wainwright, leader of the council, said: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Sainsbury’s and looking forward to seeing them bring forward detailed proposals.

“It is a major step on the road to making the plans for Beacon Park a reality.”

The superstore is part of the council’s wider vision to make Beacon Park a flourishing residential area with a mix of food shopping, other retail and employment uses.

It is hoped it will complement what the town centre already offers and provide for the Beacon Park Enterprise Zone site.

And council bosses say securing the interest of Sainsbury’s is a major step towards serving the new community.

Store bosses are now working up plans - which include a new store and employment units - and will launch a public consultation.

Sainsbury’s is expected to submit a planning application before the end of 2012.

Work on Wellington Park began in earnest in September 2011, and the entire 15 block build is anticipated to take three years.

The business park is being developed by Lowestoft-based Wellington Construction in partnership with the council, and will feature office units ranging from 2,505 sq ft to 6,264 sq ft in size.

Phase one of the build comprises 33 acres of mixed office, industrial and leisure development, but Beacon Park will ultimately extend to 57 acres.

And developers hope rates relief offered as part of the New Anglia Enterprise Zone will help entice big business to the area - boosting the local economy.

Nearly 50,000 sq ft of office space will be available on the new Wellington Park group of offices.

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