HUNDREDS OF JOBS AT NEW ASDA

Huge ‘Living’ store is latest to be unveiled in major retail park redevelopment:

HUNDREDS of jobs could be created in Peterborough after it was announced that a new retail chain is poised to move into the city.

Asda Living, which sells the popular George clothing range as well as homeware, electricals and other non-food products, is to move into a 37,000 sq ft unit on the Brotherhood Shopping Park, in Lincoln Road, Walton.

The firm is a specialised part of the Asda supermarket giant and has signed a 10-year lease on the unit.

Representatives from Asda Living say the final details on the number of staff to be recruited have still to be agreed.

However, it is understood that other similar-sized stores have typically employed more than 200 people.

The store is expected to open in the autumn and it will sit alongside Marks & Spencer, Next and Outfit, which have already confirmed that they have signed leases for units on the park.

Another two stores are expected to reveal they plan to move onto the park in the next few weeks.

Phil Huby, Aberdeen asset manager for Brotherhood, said: “This is a major coup for the city and for Brotherhood Shopping Park.

“The Asda Living brand is an ex- citing and exclusive concept which supports our vision of attracting a strong vibrant tenant mix to Peterborough.”

The new store will consist of a 19,000 sq ft ground floor and 18,000 sq ft mezzanine and feature the full range of George fashion plus homeware, electricals, entertainment, toys and baby products.

An Asda regional spokesman said: “I can confirm the unit will be for Asda Living.

“More details are set to be announced soon.”

The news has been welcomed by experts who say the investment is a sign of confidence in the economy.

Chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce John Bridge said: “The store will be creating permanent jobs and not just seasonal ones and is good news for Peterborough people.

“A company choosing to invest in our city sees an economy that is developing and growing and knows investors will see a return on their money.”

Retail expert Dr Paul Dobson, head of the business school at the University of East Anglia, added: “Any investment in retail at the moment is a good sign for the city as consumer demand is very weak at the moment.

“Asda Living will help generate a good footfall, which means a lot of customers coming to the retail park, which is good for other businesses.”

PROGRESS: Work on the new stores at the Brotherhood Retail Park is progressing fast as a new Asda Living store, main picture, is revealed as the latest addition.

development: Artist’s impression of what the Brotherhood Shopping Park will look like after the announcement that Asda Living is moving onto the site.

Work: The redevelopment of the site is progressing quickly..