Stores war step closer as plan for Bognor Tesco rival revealed

The prospect of a major national supermarket chain opening opposite Tesco was revealed.

The unnamed retailer is interested in taking on Tesco with a similar-sized branch.

The likelihood of two competitors on either side of the dual carriageway seeking shoppers' spending has become stronger.

The newcomer will be located on the southern part of the former Lec site.

Land owner Sime Darby London Ltd has placed the creation of a retail park on the one-time fridge factory as its preferred use of the ten acres at an important gateway to Bognor.

Sime Darby London Ltd director Raof Daud said: "The public are saying quite strongly that they want more choice.

"It will be down to Arun District Council to make a decision about suitable sites for retail purposes.

"But we believe this is a suitable site. We have not committed ourselves to any particular party. But some parties have expressed a particular level of interest. We are very encouraged '“ but no deals have been done '“ by the level of interest we have received.

"The store will be a similar size to Tesco. It would be a national, well-recognised brand. They have indicated to us, that to come on to an out of town site, they would have to take on Tesco head to head."

The store would take up some 6-7 acres and provide some 200-300 jobs.

To the north of the new supermarket would be several bulky goods stores selling items which would not compete with the town centre.

While not naming the interested retailer, Mr Daud confirmed that Asda had made no contact with Sime Darby about occupying the site.

Sime Darby's second preference for the land is for a supermarket at the southern site with business uses, such as a car showroom, to the north. A 70-80 bedroom business style hotel, with one operator interested, could also be included.

The third preferred option is for bulky goods retailers or a supermarket and some housing.

The choices have been included in a draft development brief produced by Sime Darby for the land after 18 months of preparation.

This will be discussed with various groups in the coming weeks. Their views will form the final version of the brief.

This will be produced in the next few months, and presented to Arun to agree as a suitable blueprint to develop the location.

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