B&M Bargains is hoping to open a massive new store and garden close to Banbridge, Armagh I can reveal.
The development has been earmarked at the Bridgewater Retail Park, with proposals indicating up to 80 staff on site daily when up and running.
Plans have been drawn up for a change to what had been previously approved to allow for an extension to the size of one of a number of new stores being built.
Armagh I recently reported that Iceland intended to move from within the Range to its own unit – currently under construction – at the popular retail park.
That is Unit 7 – directly next door to M&S Simply Food.
According to a retail impact assessment to accompany this latest application, units 8 and 9 are currently “under construction”, while “negotiations are ongoing with end users”. Meanwhile, the “front of the site will be developed for three drive-thrus”.
These fresh proposals for B&M Bargains relate to the pre-approved Unit 10 to allow for an extension which would see it double in size.
Floorspace when built, therefore, would increase for the new B&M Bargains store, from just over 11,000 sq ft to in excess of 22,000 sq ft.
And to the right hand side of the new unit – and access internally from Unit 10 – would be the previously approved garden centre, “repositioned” and stretching to almost 8,200 sq ft.
To facilitate the plans, the retail development would see a reduction in the car parking available at the Game of Thrones attraction’s park and ride facility.
B&M Bargains has been expanding its interests in ‘all things gardening’ in recent times; just last week Armagh I revealed that the budget goods retailer was planning to move into the former Homebase unit at Rushmere in Craigavon, with a connecting 9,000 sq ft garden centre, which is due to open on Thursday, September 25.
For the new Banbridge store, a pre-application procedure had been carried out in May, given that plans fall within the ‘major’ category of development.
The proposals are now with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration, with a design and access statement describing it as a “straight forward application”.
It states: “The site has been appraised and the decision to reduce the Game of Thrones car park provides the capacity to utilise the current car parking in front of the site for retail use.”
And it adds: “In terms of parking the proposal provides adequate car parking to cater for the level of visitors that will be attracted to this enlarged unit.”
The new store would also be fully disability compliant in terms of access and parking.
The statement confirms: “The proposal includes disabled spaces at the entrance to the shop. The proposed retailer will be very aware of the needs of all of their customers and the access doors to the shop will be electronic sliding doors. Disabled users will be able to access trolleys designed for use with a wheelchair and internally the store layout and designs will allow people of all mobilities to move around freely.
“The external footpath area will be covered with a canopy to give people shelter in poor weather.”
According to additional information provided, the proposal has been “designed to cater for a new mixed goods retailer with a principal focus on bulky goods”.
Other sites were looked at within what is described as the “primary retail core” of Banbridge – essentially town centre – and all were found to be “not suitable” for the retailer’s plans or “not available”. Other edge of town sites – as well as in neighbouring Rathfriland and Dromore – were also explored but ruled out for the same reasons.
The original planning permission for Unit 10 had limited the store to the sale of bulky goods only.
Supporting information – by means of a retail impact assessment – reveals: “Since this permission was granted, interest in this unit has come from a mixed goods retailer – B&M Bargains – who have a requirement for this site. B&M Bargains require the store to be double its size and for the garden centre to be retained at 760 sq m.
“They also require to be able to use the unit for mixed retailing. B&M Bargains are a discount retailer and require this flexibility as part of their trading format.”
It adds: “B&M Bargains are located in a variety of similar locations including Sprucefield and Damolly, Newry. This proposal will fill a geographical gap in store coverage for B&M Bargains and will help to attract trade that is spent in these locations and can be attracted to Banbridge instead.”
In terms of conditions applied on the sale of goods, B&M Bargains requires approval to trade in DIY materials, products and equipment; furniture and soft furnishings; carpets and floor coverings; electrical goods; homewares and household goods; toys, cycles, cycle accessories, safety equipment and ancillary cycle repairs; pets and pet relates products; garden materials, plants and equipment; non-fashion clothing; food and drink; toiletries; and stationery.
The retail assessment accepted that the store would “divert” trade from other neighbour units, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Iceland and M&S, but says the “impacts are not harmful to any store and each will continue to trade successfully in Banbridge”.
And turning to the out of town location, it concludes: “Diversion from Banbridge town centre is also predicted but the levels are limited and retail impact is not likely to be harmful. Banbridge has been found by the council to be a strong town centre and it will continue to be strong with this proposal.”
The application will now be advertised shortly with a decision to follow in due course.
