A SUPERMARKET has unveiled plans for a brand-new store in Arborfield.
Sainsbury’s has unveiled a neighbourhood hub store, based on the principle of the district centre planning permission already granted by Wokingham Borough Council.
Representatives from the chain recently attended Crest Nicholson’s community consultation for the emerging Arborfield Green District Centre to announce the proposals.
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s property director, said: “We are delighted to announce our plans to invest in a fantastic new store in Arborfield, which will generate jobs for the community and improve shopping choice for local people.
“We will continue to provide updates and seek feedback from residents, businesses and other local stakeholders as our plans progress to ensure we deliver the best possible store.”
The 16,000 sq. ft. store would offer meat and fish products, a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan choices, and provide a range of prepared meal options.
Sainsbury’s proposals also include an in store click and collect service which would bring together Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing.
The store is expected to create 75 jobs, comprising a mix of management and entry-level positions, as well as supporting additional jobs throughout the construction phase.
It will be part of a district centre off Nine Mile Ride Extension, which has outline planning permission with a more detailed submission set to follow soon from developer Crest Nicholson.
Sainsbury’s will also need to submit a separate application to determine matters like parking and landscaping on the site.
The district centre for Arborfield includes the proposed supermarket plus smaller shops, a pedestrianised high street, community centre, a pub and green space with paths and allotments and new access routes and pedestrianised areas.
It will be located near Bohunt School and Arborfield Green Leisure Centre, with new access to the latter, and includes a refurbishment of the Infirmary Stables.
The development is also required to include a new sports pavilion, and playing fields, the details of which will be confirmed by a separate application that’s also expected soon.
Residents had previously criticised the council and Crest Nicholson and accused them of “repeatedly failing” on their promise to deliver a village centre at Arborfield Green.
This resulted in Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, assisting with a petition calling for action that garnered more than 700 signatures.
As part of the planning conditions, development of the village centre should have begun after 1,000 properties were built. A figure surpassed in 2019.
Crest Nicholson apologised to residents for the delays to the construction and any frustration it may be causing.
A spokesperson for the developer also sought to reassure residents that it remained “wholly committed” to delivering the centre.
Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and the Local Plan, said he recognised Crest Nicholson were in breach of their planning conditions and vowed to keep pressure on them with support from leader of the council, Cllr Clive Jones.
With Sainsbury’s proposals unveiled, Cllr Ferris admitted he was “delighted”.
He said: “Our residents have been waiting a long time for this and, while we know it won’t arrive overnight, we hope this firm sign of progress will give them confidence in the district centre project and show we’re serious about equipping our communities with all the services they need.
“We welcome Sainsbury’s interest as it shows that the financial uncertainty caused by covid and Brexit, which had been delaying progress on this project, is improving and we look forward to receiving a planning application in due course.”
