Store reopens after revamp (From Witney Gazette)

Store reopens after revamp

9:00am Wednesday 13th September 2006

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SHOPPERS got a first taste of Witney's new-look Sainsbury's store, which has almost doubled in size after undergoing a major revamp.

Managers were given the go-ahead last July to extend the supermarket, in Witan Way, by 1,440 sqm.

The new-improved store has created 75 extra jobs, and includes a cafe, a clothing department, and an electrical goods aisle.

It opened its doors to customers on Thursday last week.

Sasha Burnett, an employee who joined the store when it opened in 1996 and cut the ribbon last week, said: "This is such a proud moment for us still being here ten years on and seeing how much this store has changed."

Store manager, Mike Hawker, said: "I'm really excited about the new and improved Witney store, which now offers an absolutely fantastic range of products and services."

West Oxfordshire district councillors approved plans for the expansion on condition that only 15 per cent of the total floorspace was used for non-food items, such as clothing and electrical goods, after concerns had been raised about the impact it could have on stores in the nearby town centre.

Sainsbury's also had to give a £485,000 contribution towards road improvements in the town.

Planning permission was granted following the unveiling of plans by supermarket giant Asda for a store and 170 homes on land owned by the Witney Lakes resort, in Downs Road.

Asda pledged to invest £3m in sports facilities in Witney if it was allowed to build the store, but ended up withdrawing plans at the end of last year, after coming up against opposition.

During consideration of the Sainsbury's application, the district council said its vision was to develop the town centre and edge-of-town shopping facilities, rather than out-of-town sites - such as Downs Road.

Witney has two other large food stores, Waitrose and Somerfield, and councillors said there was little opportunity for these to expand, because of their locations.

A planning application has since been submitted for 13 new shops - as well as a car park, cinema, and more than 100 homes - at Marriotts Close, in the town centre, although it has not been revealed which retailers may take up units if the plans are allowed.

Tesco, however, which runs convenience stores in the town, have been ruled out.

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