SOUTHEND SORTING OFFICE PLANS

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/3876977 ... _in_weeks/

Superstore plan ready in weeks

10:00am Wednesday 26th November 2008

By Geoff Percival »


SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is set to submit its planning application for a new superstore on the old B&Q site next to Southend Victoria station by January.

In the meantime, Royal Mail has put in a proposal to demolish the existing sorting office at the site and build a new centre further along Short Street. The site of the current centre would then become part of the Tesco plan.

Royal Mail is currently seeking only an agreement from the council on whether the latest proposal would be acceptable in principle rather than a full application.

Spokesman Nick Martens said: “We are undertaking an operational review of our three Essex mail centres at Southend, Chelmsford and Romford.

“The review takes into account the sustainability of each site for the introduction of new automated technology to ensure we have the best designed network for the future.

“In Southend, we are also taking into account Tesco’s wish to acquire the site as part of a wider development of Short Street, although our absolute priority is to ensure our operation has the right facilities for the future.

“We are continuing to consult with staff and the union to ensure they understand the absolute necessity for this review and the need to change.”

Tesco corporate affairs manager Nick Gellatly said it was hoped a planning application would be submitted for the scheme by late December or early January.

He added: “In these increasingly difficult times, Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco, is committed to bringing forward proposals for this key site in Southend.

“We believe the scheme will help make the central area of Southend a destination for shoppers and a catalyst for economic growth.”

A source at the Civic Centre said: “We expect there will probably be three planning applications on this site and the surrounding area and the Royal Mail one will be the first.

“The next is likely to be for the new Focus Youth House, submitted by Tesco, followed by the major one for the store. We would have preferred them all to come in together.”