Tesco Set for Former Bournemouth Borders Location?

TESCO could soon be filling the shelves at the empty Borders store in Bournemouth town centre.

The Bourne Avenue store, which has been lying empty since December 2009 after the book and music retailer went into administration, could soon become home to the supermarket giant.

A Tesco spokesperson said yesterday: “We are interested in the opportunity. It is not certain that it will go ahead and we can’t say for definite but we are currently exploring the opportunity.”

The company has submitted a licensing application to Bournemouth Borough Council for the store, which also has Express stores at the Triangle and Holdenhurst Road, to sell alcohol between 8am-11pm Monday to Sunday.

Nigel Hedges, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, said: “We are very pleased with the possibility. We do not want an empty store.

“It will be a great footfall driver in the town, like Primark.

“It is a big store and it needs a retailer like Tesco to make it work. You cannot deny their appeal and success and I am sure it will be a positive move for both the town and the company.

“It will fill a need and ultimately mean one less empty shop front.”

Another major retailer, Primark, which has taken over the former BHS store in Commercial Road, is believed to be opening its doors in early autumn.

Mr Hedges added: “As well as the possibility of Tesco moving in we also have Primark and Super Dry (clothes store) who are opening a store in the town. These guys, like Tesco, do not open for fun.”

It is believed the store could become a mid-sized Tesco Metro, or a smaller Tesco Express.

Roger Parker, Town Centre Manager said: “While we are aware of Tesco’s interest in properties in Bournemouth, and clearly they have lodged an interest by submitting a licence application, we understand the property is still under the control of the administrators of the former Borders store and no property transaction has taken place.”

Source of this Article:

Bournemouth Echo (opens a new window)

By Heidi Rees (Bournemouth 2026 Partnership)

Posted: Wednesday 25 August 2010

Permalink: http://www.bournemouth2026.org.uk/tesco-set-for-former-bournemouth-borders-location

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