Land Securities has secured Sainsbury’s to anchor part of its redevelopment of Corby town centre.
The supermarket giant has agreed to take a store of as much as 120,000 sq ft. Plans for the development are expected to be submitted later this year, for the store to be operational by 2013.
LandSec portfolio manager Tom Venner said: “The town centre is an attractive location for Sainsbury’s. Their brand and reputation would be an excellent addition to the centre, as well as being a significant vote of confidence from a leading UK retailer.”
However, the REIT warned that its multi-million pound investment in Corby could be jeopardised if the borough council’s planning committee approves proposals tonight for an out-of-town supermarket by Greatline Developments.
Venner said: “We would urge the committee not to jeopardise this much-needed investment in Corby’s town centre. Strong towns and communities need strong town centres and our deal with Sainsbury’s is testament to the potential of Corby’s appeal.”
Dougal Hartley, Sainsbury’s regional development surveyor, added: “Corby has great ambition and we want to play our part in the town’s future economic growth. It is rare to find such a large site in such an accessible town centre location. We’re looking forward to working with Land Securities, the community and its representatives to deliver the store should the out of town application be refused.”
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
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