Knowle Waitrose work to start this summer

WORK to build a Waitrose in Knowle is expected to start this summer for an opening late next year, more than a year later than first planned, the supermarket has said.

                   
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Kimberley Developments got Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council permission for the St John’s Close store in November 2012.

It said then it hoped to start work at the site of a former bowling green in The Red Lion pub car park in spring 2013 for a summer 2014 opening.

The site has been cleared but work has not begun.

Waitrose spokesman James Armstrong said this week: “The developer aims to start on site this summer which would enable us to open late next year.

"It was necessary to agree a programme of works and ensure different phases of the development will be aligned, for example ensuring the new homes for the site's existing residents are ready to move into at the appropriate time. 

"We continue to make preparations for a start on site and the archaeological investigation should be taking place this week."

The firm will build a store with a 1,161sqm sales area.

Five bungalows nearest the store will be relocated to create a car park that will remain the council’s control. The village’s Tesco has a 865sqm sales area.

The council is set to consider a plan for a Waitrose in Homer Road, Solihull this month. What do you think? Leave your comments below. No registration required. Posts must abide by the terms and conditions. Report comments at news@thesilhillian.co.uk.
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