Tesco to take on ex-postal depot?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A new supermarket could be on the cards in Northampton after the Royal Mail announced it was seeking public opinion on whether it should convert its derelict sorting office into a food store.

The former Barrack Road building was gutted by fire almost seven years ago and has stood empty ever since.

However the Royal Mail, in an attempt to get some money back on its dormant asset, has been looking to turn the building into something useful and has revealed it will consult with the town residents next month on its plans.

A public notice issued by Royal Mail Estates states: "Royal Mail Estates is holdimg local consultation events about exciting proposals for the vacant Royal Mail building on Barrack Road.

"The building has been largely vacant since a fire in 2003 but remains structurally sound and capable of alternative use. Royal Mail Estates Limited has therefore working on plans to see how the building could be converted into a food store to bring it back into active use and deliver benefits to the local community."

Royal Mail would yesterday only refer to the plans as being for a 'food store' but given the size of the site - three acres including the car park - the new renovated building would be classified as a supermarket.

Tesco are the favourites to land the site - the Chron exclusively reported earlier this year that the supermarket giant had had talks with planning bosses at the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation - in September 2009.

Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North, said: "It is right that a site so close to the town centre should be brought back into use after so many years. However, I would have concerns about the impact on the Market Square and other small retailers. I would like to see more details on this."

The consultation will be held at Castle Primary School, which is behind the Royal Mail site in St George's Street. Residents can give their views on Thursday, June 10 between 6pm and 8pm and Saturday June 12 between 2pm and 5pm.

[POSTMAN]

We should get this lot to buy into us,they're very clever,and we can do their home deliveries for them as well.