TESCO Whaley Bridge has revealed plans to expand its supermarket, with promises of more space for shopping, wider aisles and more local jobs, full-time and part -time.  The store floor area could be increased from an existing  20,000 sq ft to around 30,000 sq ft  through an extension to the back of the existing building.

TESCO Whaley Bridge - the main entrance

The supermarket, on the outskirts of  Whaley Bridge, was opened five years ago after much local controversy over the plans. Local traders and politicians from other areas objected at the time over concerns that a supermarket would damage existing businesses. As a result, plans for a larger 45,000 sq ft Tesco were rejected, and the current 20,000 sq ft building was built.

A large information display in the store’s main entrance urges local people to support the move to extend shopping space. Tesco will be seeking the necessary planning permission. They  say: “We want and need the support of the local community for our proposals. We will be shortly applying for planning permission from High Peak Borough Council.  We want to listen and respond to your suggestions, so please take a minute to fill in a comment card.”

PLEA from Tesco to the public

Tesco list  the improvements under the new plan, ‘offering our customers a first class shopping experience’

• A wider range of food and other products
• New jobs for local people, with ‘one of the best rates of pay in the industry’
• Wider aisles and more spacious shopping
• Improved customer parking, with extra spaces for disabled customers and parents with small children.

Calling themselves ‘a green grocer’, Tesco  say they will continue a commitment to halve their carbon footprint by 2020, and be zero carbon by 2050.  Customers  can support the greener plans by reducing car trips to neighbouring towns. 

Tesco say they are committed to being part of the local community, keeping people shopping in Whaley Bridge as well as attracting new shoppers to the area.

They list Derbyshire products they will stock:  Buxton water, Thornton chocolates, Bradwell ice cream,  Thornbridge brewery’s real ale and Ingleby low fat crisps.

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