A new Tesco superstore for Armagh is to receive full planning approval early in the New Year.
The development will be based on the former Fane Valley site at Alexander Road and will create 250 new jobs.
Several planning applications have been submitted over recent years for the multi-million pound outlet.
On Monday, January 6, DoE Planning Service will bring their monthly listings before Armagh City and District Council with a recommendation to approve.
In August Tesco gave its first official confirmation that in the region of 250 new jobs will come to Armagh if all proceeds as planned with the opening of a new city store.
It will be a further welcome boost for the city, coupled with the planned expansion of Emerson’s supermarket, the £23 million Armagh Gaol project and the redevelopment of the former Department of Agriculture building on Mall West.
And just this week we reported that Iceland will be opening a new store within the Spires Retail Park.
Initially traders had been up in arms over the Tesco plans, saying the the development would take business away from the city centre, a fear that was also expressed ahead of the creation of the Spires Retail Park, at Moy Road, some years back.
Armagh Council had asked for a retail impact study, after traders petitioned against Tesco, and, with that carried out, has since given its blessing for the store.
The planning application which is about to be approved proposes the erection of a food superstore, with associated car parking, landscaping and access at Alexander Road.
The massive site – which also comprises of three houses, 79,97 and 99 Railway Street – would have a total gross floor space of 4,624 square metres and would incorporate sales, offices, storage and ancillary facilities.
Tesco had previously tried to establish a store in the area of the Moy Road and Loughgall Road, a number of years ago, but it was withdrawn, amid concerns from traders.
The retailer has also faced similar opposition in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland and has been forced to abandon plans after public enquiries.
