ASDA gets go-ahead for Poole HQ

    ASDA is set to gain consent for a 150,000 sq ft headquarters development for Barclays Bank next to its supermarket on West Quay Road, Poole in Dorset.   Poole council officers yesterday recommended for approval the Building Design Partnerships-designed scheme, which ASDA will develop in joint venture with former Tesco property chief William Marsh’s Marsh Life before leasing it back to Barclays.   Barclays will move 850 staff from its current HQ – the 300,000 sq ft Barclays House, in Wimborne Road, Poole – to the 100,000 sq ft first phase in 2010.   It has taken an option on a 50,000 sq ft second phase building at the site. The project is ASDA’s first as it eyes a major drive into property development around its stores.   The scheme has received the full backing of the council’s strategic planning and transport departments, as well as the Environment Agency and the South West Regional Development Agency.   Atisreal acted for Barclays.     paul.norman@rbi.co.uk