Support shown for Sainsbury’s in Perth

Dec 15 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

PLANS by supermarket giants Sainsbury’s to open a store in Perth’s Crieff Road have won widespread support from locals, it has emerged.

The 70,000 sq. ft. £multi-million development, earmarked for the former United Auction’s mart site, would create in excess of 500 full and part-time jobs, as well as construction opportunities.

As part of their consultative approach, the company held a stakeholder evening for local community and business groups and local elected members last month, followed by a two-day public event to ensure their proposals meet the needs of local residents.

The feedback from the public has been positive, with 86.5% of respondents to the public opinion survey in support of Sainsbury’s proposals for development in Perth.

Those who replied noted that a Sainsbury’s supermarket would attract shoppers to Perth and help support the local economy by retaining trade within the town.

And 77.6% of respondents believed there was not sufficient choice of supermarkets in Perth, while 92.5% believed that the Sainsbury’s brand would complement the existing retail offer in Perth for local residents.

A company spokesman said: “The proposed development site, west of the A9 bypass, is ideally situated as it is easily accessible from the surrounding areas and will complement the wider proposals for the area, which include mixed use development for retail, specialist residential, business and leisure use, serving Perth city and shire.

“To alleviate any traffic concerns, we have undertaken detailed traffic modelling and identified a scheme of improvements along the A85 corridor which would assist in both managing the existing congestion and provide additional capacity to accommodate any increase in traffic.”

Paul Miller, National Development Surveyor, Sainsbury’s added: “We are delighted by the positive response we have received from our recent public event.

“Since beginning consultation with the local Perth community, Sainsbury’s has taken on board the views and comments of community and business groups and, in response to these, has made improvements to the proposed development.”

Sainsbury’s will continue consultation with the local community as the application is considered by Perth and Kinross Council.

Further presentations will be given in the New Year and, as well as continuing to engage with the local community on the proposed plans, the company has made a commitment to work closely with local businesses and potential local suppliers in Perthshire, in particular the local farming and agriculture community.

Local Perthshire businessman Simon Howie commented: “We have had great collaboration with Sainsbury's over a number of years and it's great news for our business and the local area that Perth is included within their store expansion plans.

“Our brand is very well known in the Perthshire area, so it's nice for our customers to see such a locally sourced product available within the supermarket.

“Sainsbury's have been great champions of local suppliers and have helped springboard our business onto the national stage.

“We wish Sainsbury's every success in their expansion plans."

Brochures detailing Sainsbury’s proposals have been provided to the AK Bell Library and West Mill Street Library and further information on the proposals can be requested by calling 0131 220 0171.