Waitrose has revealed plans to build a new multi-million pound supermarket in its home town of Bracknell in Berkshire.
Subject to planning permission, the upmarket grocery chain intends to open a 36,000 sq ft store on land between Millenium Way and Bond Way in Bracknell town centre as part of a wider regeneration programme for the town.
If approved, building work on the new supermarket and car park will start in April 2011 and should be completed by Spring 2012 at the latest.
Waitrose said the store will represent the first new retail building to be built in Bracknell town centre for more than 25 years, and will create up to 180 jobs for the local community.
Nigel Keen, Waitrose director of development, said: “Bracknell has been home to our Head Office for nearly 40 years and we are delighted to now be in a position to be making such a major investment in the town, which can deliver secure employment to even more local people.”
“We have had a long-standing ambition to open a store which can offer a full range of products in the town centre and this provides us with the perfect platform to achieve that.”
“This is an excellent opportunity to create an attractive gateway into the town centre and demonstrates our confidence in Bracknell’s future as a vibrant retail destination.”
Councillor Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, commented: “If approved, the new store will help to deliver a key part of the town centre regeneration, bringing with it a state-of-the-art building and new jobs for local people.
“I’m sure the new store will be a catalyst for further development, helping to deliver a town centre which the people of Bracknell can be proud of.”
