Work starts on B&Q/Morrisons store tie up in Norwich

Work has started to create yet another superstore in Norwich, with bosses at Morrisons saying their latest branch should be open this winter.

The new Morrisons store will take up some of the existing B&Q store at Neatmarket, off Hall Road, and supermarket bosses said it would create 300 jobs.

Permission for the new store was granted by officers at Norwich City Council, Agents Peacock and Smith had said, in their submission to split the store, that the DIY market had suffered because of the economic downturn.

They said handing over space to Morrisons would mean B&Q could continue to trade, while the new superstore would bring in 300 new jobs.

Specialist contractors have now started the work to convert the Neatmarket B&Q into the smaller store, with Morrisons moving into the remaining space later this year.

Richard Haynes, Morrisons development executive, said: “We are excited about starting work on our new store which represents a significant investment in Norwich and will bring a jobs boost to the city.

“This is a great opportunity for Morrisons and B&Q to work together and offer our customers the convenience of two stores under one roof. We look forward to completing the works and welcoming shoppers to our store.”

Andrew McDonnell, B&Q divisional director, said the store would remain open during the work and that the changes would “revitalise” it.

The new Morrisons will be barely a third of a mile away from the new Asda store which is proposed for Harford Place off Hall Road.

That store was approved in December 2012, just a few months after an identical application was rejected.

Asda bosses said the store would create 300 jobs, with a further 100 on the rest of the site, which would include a gym, other shops, a pub and a community centre. Work is due to start on the site this year.

Source : Dan Grimmer - Norwich Evening News
www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/work_gets_underway_on_new_norwich_superstore_1_3643013