Tesco has scrapped plans to build a superstore in Southend just weeks after pulling out of similar proposals in Ipswich.
The grocery multiple had pledged to create 450 jobs at the three-story Extra store, amid warnings from local retailers that it would have killed off the town centre. Located on the site of a former B&Q warehouse, the 83,000sq ft store would have been linked to a central shopping centre by a footbridge.
But Tesco’s decision to shelve the plans reflects chief executive Philip Clark’s recent announcement that the group would focus more on convenience this year.
Southend Council chief executive Rob Tinlin said he was “disappointed” that Tesco had withdrawn its plans.
“We have worked exceptionally hard with Tesco over a number of years to help bring these plans forward for a development which would have been a huge boost to the town,” he said.
“We regret that the company, in reviewing its strategy, decided not to proceed with this new Southend store.”
In May Tesco scrapped plans to build an Extra store on the edge of Ipswich town centre after concluding it had enough large stores in the wider area.
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