The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Bid for city centre supermarket selling ‘international’ foods
To debate application for store
A mini supermarket selling ‘international’ food and drink could be set to open in the centre of Peterborough. An application has been put for ward for a premises l i - cence for 59b Bridge Street, by Leicester-based businessman Hussain Ahmadi.
Mr Ahmadi is bidding to transform the empty premises, which was formerly the Sketchley dry cleaning firm, i nto ‘ Marta Supermarket’ selling foods and drink from around the world.
The appli c at i on wil l be considered by Peterborough City Council’s licensing committee at a future date and if approved the store could be up and running within weeks.
Mr Ahmadi was unavailable for comment, but his application states: “Due to this site’s prominent retail location, the applicant, who is the new owner, aims to attract customers from both local and passing trade.
“He feels, as there are so many different nationalities in this area, that there is an opportunity to compliment customers various international food choices with alcohol and also wines from around the world, as well as the normal mainstream brands.
“There i s al s o pl enty of shopper’s parking available nearby.”
Jo hn Br i dge, c hai r man of the Peterbough and Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We support local enterprise and it is encouraging that development like this is being proposed.
“Businesses feel that there is a vibrancy in Peterborough and they are keen to come here and develop.
“While we can not comment on planning processes a development such as this has the potential to benefit from the large footfall in Bridge Street.”
Bridge Street has recently undergone redevelopment as the city council bids to attract shoppers and businesses to the area.
Just last month work to refurbishment the historic St Peter’s Arcade which connects Bridge Street to St. Peter’s Road was completed. The £300,000 facelift saw two new small shop units created.