The Tesco Superstore in Chatham town centre closed on Saturday last week, and potential investors have already began talks about the future of the former Tesco site. This week officers told Medway Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee that positive early stage discussions were underway. Although Councillors welcomed the news, the potential loss of 121 jobs at the site remains a concern, as well as the abandonment of the site. Meanwhile, Tesco is investigating the possibility of redeploying staff in other stores, while further support is being offered by Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service. Tesco have assigned agents Morgan Williams to begin marketing the store for either disposal or letting from the 5th April 2015. They are currently considering all options including letting to other supermarkets and discount food shops. Although the popular choice among residents would be another supermarket, it is highly likely that the building will be demolished and the site used for different purposes. Tesco have also confirmed that the adjacent tenant, Coslo Homeplus, is not will not have any 'immediate effects' at this time. Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour Group and Chatham Central Councillor said: “Clearly the loss of this store is a huge blow to both the employees and the wider Chatham community who value the store.
“It is positive to hear there are some initial discussions ongoing which I hope will bring the right outcome for Chatham.” The committee agreed to further review the situation in six months time. You may read the report discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee here: http://democracy.medway.gov.uk/mgconvert2pdf.aspx?id=26686 Comments are closed.
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August 2023
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