6:00pm Monday 3rd August 2009
By Katy Islip
TESCO is taking over the former Woolworths building in Leigh Broadway.
After months of speculation, the supermarket giant has announced it will run the site as a Tesco Express, creating about 25 full and part-time jobs.
The shop has been vacant since January, when Woolworths closed after decades on the site.
Confirming the deal, Tesco spokeswoman Carol Leslie said: “We are really looking forward to bringing another store to the area to serve local people.
“The Woolworths premises will no longer be a closed store, which is good for the town.”
But Leigh town councillor Peter Dolby said the news was a double-edged sword which had both drawbacks and benefits.
He said: “My initial reaction is we have enough food retailers in the Broadway.
“But it’s nice it won’t be a big empty space anymore.
“I’m pleased it’s not going to be empty, but I would have much rather it had been something else, like a Next.”
John Lamb, Southend borough councillor responsible for enterprise, also extended a cautious welcome to the news.
Mr Lamb, who is the councillor for the west Leigh ward, said: “I’m pleased in a way, because, while I would like to see the site taken over by a department store rather than a supermarket, at least it’s an empty store being filled.”
Mr Lamb said although the news could have a negative impact on local stores, he thought shoppers would remain loyal and support independent retailers.
The takeover will see the premises subjected to a complete refit, and it will be open seven days a week. No opening date has been confirmed.
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