Morrisons unveils design for site in Newport

Company bosses today released this artist's impression of the development they plan for Audley Avenue, on the edge of the town. It is expected to create 250 jobs.

Earlier this week Morrisons bosses announced that it had exchanged contracts with site owner Audley Avenue Business Parks.

Morrisons was granted outline planning permission for the store last year and has now submitted detailed plans for the 2.6ha (6.42acre) site to Telford & Wrekin Council.

Mark Thompson, Morrisons development executive, said: "This signing is great news for Newport as well as Morrisons.

"With this deal in place and the revised matters application submitted, Morrisons' intention is clear.

He added: "The site is deliverable, has a consent in place and we are now working hard to progress the final design with a view to opening during the first half of 2014.

"Our excellent working partnership with Audley Avenue Business Parks will also benefit Newport as we generate new jobs in the town.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our fresh food offer, matched with great value and top quality service, to people in Newport and surrounding areas."

The supermarket is one of three proposed for the town.

A three-week inquiry is currently taking place over Telford & Wrekin Council's decision to allow a Sainsbury's on green land it owns at Station Road, while the owner of the nearby Mere Park Garden centre this week won permission to convert his site into a supermarket.

The submitted Morrisons' plans include a 5,000 square metre (53,000square foot) store including a customer cafe and toilets, staff offices, customer car parking for 270 cars including disabled bays, and parent and child spaces.

There would also be a staff car park, loading bay and improvements to the site's access.

Mr Thompson added: "The foodstore will provide fresh produce, fresh fish, a butchery and a bakery.

"The store will be large enough to provide Morrisons' full range of goods and services without overwhelming the area's traditional shopping function.

"It will complement Newport and provide a much-needed new foodstore to help stem the flow of shoppers currently travelling out of the town for their main food shop."