TRADERS are hoping a new superstore at Felixstowe’s railway station site will help bring more people to shop in the town centre.

Developers Albourne Property plc have announced a project for a huge supermarket on land between Garrison Lane rail bridge, the rear of properties in High Road West and the town’s rail line – an overgrown area of former sidings at the railway station.

No supermarket chain has been signed up for the scheme as yet – though the developers say there is “strong interest” from several.

Andrew Rowdon, chairman of Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said chamber members were waiting to see the full details of the scheme.

“I think we have enough supermarkets as it stands in Felixstrowe – however, I would much prefer to see this area of land near the railway station developed than the site Tesco propose at Walton Green,” he said.

“I think if there are businesses prepared to invest in Felixstowe that can only be a good thing and whoever takes on this store, if it is approved and built, should encourage people to park a little longer in their car parking facilities and invite them to explore the rest of the town centre.

“I have nothing against Tesco per se but to have a shop within the town would stop people going out of the town, which the Tesco proposal is likely to do, and keep business in the town centre.”

Tesco is still pursuing its project for Walton Green as part of a development with business units, community facilities, and 170 homes on a 30-acre field in Walton High Street.

? An exhibition displaying the proposed development at the railway station site will be held at the Waverley Hotel, Wolsey Gardens, Felixstowe, on Friday from 3pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.