Two new Asda stores to create 650 jobs

A SUPERMARKET giant is set to give Suffolk's county town a massive boost after agreeing to locate a new store on the banks of the Orwell River - potentially creating hundreds of jobs.

Asda has put pen to paper on a major deal for a new food store at a site which overlooks the East Bank of the river in Ipswich.

The move, which will see the retailer take on a 8.5 acre site owned by The Beadie Group, should result in the creation of some 400 new full and part time jobs for local residents, subject to planning approval.

The deal, coupled with Asda's recent planning application for another food store in Stoke Park, Ipswich, represents a total investment of £40million.

If planning approval is granted both stores will be set to open in summer 2007 - providing a total of 650 jobs for local people.

Richard Petyt, senior development surveyor for Asda, said: “We are delighted to be increasing our presence, bringing more choice and great value to our customers in Ipswich. The town has seen considerable growth in recent years and we are confident that this development will act as a catalyst for further investment.”

The waterfront site is believed to be near Raeburn Road South.

Clive Thompson, director of The Beadie Group, said: “Asda is a benchmark retailer and their decision to come to this location in Ipswich is a giant vote of confidence for the town as a destination and, in particular, for the Gainsborough Ward.

“I believe it will signal the start of a much greater regeneration focus by business and commerce with a focus extending along the underdeveloped East Bank of the Orwell River.

“The Beadie Group has been at the forefront of moves to create a new East Bank Link Road for Ipswich and this deal, along with other interest we are now seeing in the former Volvo site nearby, should put some serious building blocks in place that will enable Ipswich to enjoy the real benefits of retail-led regeneration with the creation of new jobs and infrastructure set to follow.”