First Banbridge, now Newry: Greggs plan ANOTHER store on our doorstep

Greggs is planning yet another new outlet – this time in Newry, Armagh I can reveal.

It will be based at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre and will prove a huge lift for the complex.

News of the popular brand name will be greeted with excitement locally as it is a firm favourite.

Tonight (Tuesday), it has advertised the position for a new shop manager for the planned Newry outlet.

The company has plans to open a raft of new stores here.

Greggs began last year by revealing that it was planning to create around 50 stores across Northern Ireland, meaning a whole host of extra outlets will be expected in all parts over the next 15 months.

Armagh I revealed in November that the company – most notably famous for its sausage rolls – planned to open its first outlet in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.

It will be based at Banbridge.

A number of jobs were advertised.

We can now confirm that it will be based at the former Xtra Vision store at Newry Street in the town.

Planning approval had previously been given for a change of use to allow a cafe/restaurant at the premises, which fronts on to the busy main thoroughfare with frozen food giant Iceland to the rear.

That was submitted back in April 2015 – under the name of Lurganbridge Ltd – long before the entertainments retailer had announced it was closing. Approval was given last January.

Now two new applications have been lodged for consideration by the ABC Council; one relates to advertising for the new premises and the other for the alteration to the shop front and installation of air conditioning condenser units to the rear.

Armagh I has contacted Greggs to enquire whether or not Armagh will be included in future plans.

The company has not provided any confirmation or denial but well-placed sources have indicated that the city is indeed on its radar as part of its current expansion drive.

So far only 10 of the anticipated 50 new retail units have materialised which means many new and exciting developments and announcements in the coming months.

Greggs started out as a single bakery 65 years ago.

Today there are over 1,700 right across the UK and there are no plans of halting that expansion any time soon.

Greggs cites a vision of being a “winning brand in the food-on-the-go market” and a “much loved and trusted brand with a strong traditional bakery heritage”.

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