Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Henderson Group plans £4m extension to Eurospar Glenwell

Henderson Group plans £4m extension to Eurospar Glenwell
Eurospar site proposal (Photo via LDRS)

By: Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

A proposed £4m extension to a Eurospar store in Glengormley by Henderson Group was given the go-ahead at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday.


As well as the extension of the retail unit at Antrim Road with additional forecourt parking and new landscaped area, the proposal includes the partial demolition of the adjacent Tramways Shopping Centre, the committee has been told.

A report to the committee said: “The application site is located at 290 Antrim Road, Glengormley and comprises an existing petrol filling station, convenience shop (Eurospar) and part of an existing shopping centre (Tramways).

“The proposal seeks to demolish part of the Tramways Centre and extend the retail and hot food preparation area of the existing Eurospar.

“The partial demolition of the Tramways Centre involves one of the two blocks, the one to be demolished comprises seven units consisting of a casino and games arcade, food retail units, a gym, a clothes shop and café. The demolition also relates to the existing entrance and archway associated with Tramways.”

Previously, Henderson Group said plans have been submitted to Antrim and Newtownabbey Council proposing an extension to the Henderson Retail operated Eurospar Glenwell after the acquisition of the Tramways Shopping Centre.

Screenshot 20231108 123246 MapsTramways Shopping Centre, Glengormley (Photo via LDRS)

Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson said there have been two letters of objection. Issues raised included potential impact on existing retail stores, lack of linkage to Tramways, demolition of the existing archway and being out of character with the local area.

Mark Adrain, Henderson Group property director, said Henderson’s is a long-standing business owner in the borough with shops throughout the borough.

“We want to reassure the committee, the group will undertake this work in a constructive manner.” He stressed the company does not intend to “cause any concern or hardship” for anyone. “It is people’s livelihoods we are dealing with,” he added.

Glengormley DUP councillor Alison Bennington asked how many times the company has consulted with tenants.

He replied: “Multiple times. We have met with them at least twice. Sometimes they have not responded. We will try to work with them to see what we can do,” he added.

Committee chair Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster commented: “Approximately doubling the size of the unit, you would imagine a considerable increase in footfall.”

Cllr Foster asked what consideration had been given to access and egress of the outlet noting a fatality and near-misses at a pedestrian crossing nearby.

Mr Adrain said the company is “very concerned about any local issues in the area”. He underlined the importance of ensuring any development is “safe and fit for purpose”.

Cllr Foster asked for signage in the area to be kept clear from obstruction. Mr Adrain replied that the company would “comply with any regulations”.

eurospar glenwellEurospar Glenwell on Antrim Rd, Glengormley (Photo: Google Maps)

Planning agent David Mountstephen said the application, which was submitted last summer, has been “subject to a robust assessment”.

He went on to say the proposal represents a £4m investment by the Henderson group, which he indicated, will “connect and integrate the Glenwell and Tramways sites while improving access between sites and enhance public realm space”.

He also indicated it will “improve visual impact with an attractive frontage” and would provide “economic benefits in terms of jobs, salaries and rates”.

Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, told the committee in terms of the Belfast Urban Plan, Glengormley is “not a town centre” and is “just part of the metropolitan area”.

“It is not identified as a retail centre within the Belfast Urban Area,” he added. He pointed out that it “looks like a town centre” and “effectively operates as a town centre”.

Deputy Mayor Glengormley Sinn Fein Cllr Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Cllr Stephen Cosgrove.

Following a vote, planning permission was granted unanimously.

(Local Democracy Reporting Service)

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less