Sainsburys signs up for new retail centre in Peterlee

Yorkshire-based Almscliffe-Dhesi Group (ADG) has submitted plans to Durham County Council for a brand-new retail-led centre on the outskirts of Peterlee, Co Durham.

ADG is hoping to transform the disused and derelict Vauxhall Car dealership off Passfield Way into a new local convenience retail cluster.

High-profile tenants already signed up for the 13,027sqft sq ft development include national retailers Sainsbury’s, Tanning Shop, Cooplands, and Dominos. Further units are still available, comprising 1,250-2,561 sq ft of quality retail space.

Neil Creeney, who owns and runs ADG with his business partner Bal Singh, explained: “If approved, this exciting development should be completed by Christmas 2023 and would make shopping much more convenient for local residents.

“The development is within walking distance for many and including 68 car parking spaces, with a provision of accessible bays, and eight electric vehicle charging points.

“We have been absolutely delighted with the response to our pre-application consultation and we would like to take this opportunity to thank respondents for providing us with supportive comments. We’re really encouraged by the response that we received with more than 80 per cent of respondents in favour of the plans.

“It is clear that many local people would like to see the site developed and that there is definitely a demand for the proposed facilities in the area.”
Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s property director, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to be part of this redevelopment project in Peterlee, allowing us to bring a brand-new Sainsbury’s Local to the area and creating new jobs. We carefully design and fit out our stores to suit the needs of local customers and we hope a new store for Peterlee will help nearby residents do more of their shopping closer to home.

“We plan to build on the success of our existing store to the north of this development, which will continue to serve the local community alongside the new store once it opens.”

Neil Creeney commented that he hoped the development would create at least 100 sustainable full and part-time jobs, providing a timely boost to the local economy.

Neil continued: “It is tremendous news that a retailer of the quality and reputation of Sainsburys has decided to move into our planned retail centre in Peterlee. What a resounding endorsement of our development. We expect serious interest in our two/three remaining units, given the quality of retailers already signed up."

Bal Singh added: “It is fantastic for Peterlee that other popular national retailers such as Cooplands, Tanning Shop and Dominos are investing in the town, providing much-needed new facilities and jobs. This chimes in with the Government’s levelling up agenda for the north, which aims to invest in northern towns who have previously been left behind.”

Pete Townsend, associate director with appointed letting agents @retail, added: “We are delighted to be instructed to let the remainder of the accommodation that is available. Demand for well-positioned local centres remains high. The range of accommodation available is likely to suit a wide range of prospective occupiers looking to benefit from the prominence and accessibility of the location.”