The Spar shop in Tandragee is in line for major changes with an extension and addition of a petrol filling station planned as part of an estimated £2.8 million investment in the business.
And the development would see the popular retail unit rebranded as a EuroSpar with 10 more jobs to be created when complete and more during construction.
To accommodate the changes, the former Hamilton Hardware unit at 30 Mill Street would be demolished.
Proposals have been drawn up by the Henderson Group and submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
Outbuilding at the rear of the former hardware store would also be demolished to make way for the planned extension, with alterations planned to the “rear private amenity space” of residential units at 32 and 34 Mill Street.
There would be alterations to the existing forecourt to make way for the petrol filling station, which would take the form of a “single pump island forecourt”.
And the number of parking spaces would increase from 41 to 48. The parking will comprise 44 spaces which includes two EV charging spaces and two staff spaces, as well as two more parking bays at the petrol pumps and two ‘waiting’ spaces.
In terms of employment, it is estimated that an extra 10 staff would be on site daily – an increase from 27 to 37.
The newly-branded EuroSpar would offer floorspace in excess of 7,800 sq ft, the majority of which would be for retail sales.
According to a supporting statement, the change-over from Spar to EuroSpar would “represent a strengthening of the retail offer in Tandragee town centre”.
In terms of traffic, the statement adds: “The site will continue to be accessed by two accesses, one from Mill Street and one from Gilford Street. Both accesses will continue to be two-way in / out accesses.
“It is proposed to widen the Mill Street access to improve manoeuvrability.”
The extension will “respect the character of the area” and the properties at 32 and 34 Mill Street will be retained.
“The investment being made in the vacant site will contribute to the overall enhancement of the town centre,” says the statement.
“The proposal is an investment in an existing business, which will provide an enhanced retail offering to continue to meet the needs of the growing population of Tandragee. It is consistent with the role and function of Tandragee as set out in the Armagh Area Plan.
“It will, inter alia, contribute to sustainable patterns of growth, provide for the needs of the town, promote compact urban form, maintain character and vitality, bring vacant property into use, create ease of access to services, maximise the use of existing infrastructure, deliver economic benefits, create employment and reduce the need for car journeys.”
The supporting statement also argues that there is a “qualitative need” for the proposals brought forward.
It explains: “The existing shop has multiple functions including as a convenience shop, Post Office, deli / food to go counter and barista bar. All these functions are contained in a relatively small space compared to other more modern facilities and, on that basis alone, there is a need for additional floorspace at the site.
“The proposal will meet a need for improvement in terms of the retail environment, for example, the provision of wider aisles, a more spacious layout, a lobby and an improved choice of payment / check out options, and the retail offer, for example, the provision of a wider product range, improved Post Office counter and enhanced deli / food to go offer.
“Furthermore, there is a need for improved back of house floorspace for storage, improved food preparation areas – mindful of the need to meet the highest food prep and safety standards – and improved ancillary spaces, including improved office and staff welfare accommodation.”
Insisting that the proposed extension and filling station makes good economic sense – generating more money in rates too – the supporting statement says it will deliver an “enhanced local shopping facility”.
It concludes: “The development represents an important investment of £2.8M approximately by the Henderson Group in this existing business.
“There will be an additional 10 jobs approximately created at the site.
“Due to the nature of retail work, many Henderson Retail employees live local to the shops in which they work and additional salaries of £150,000 approximately per annum will be generated at EuroSpar Tandragee which will be of support to the local economy.
“The development will support a range of local suppliers and, furthermore, will support construction jobs throughout the construction period.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly.
