PLANS have been unveiled for a new supermarket near Wrexham which could create about 300 jobs if given the go-ahead.
Manchester-based development company Capital & Centric held its first consultation event yesterday on the planned supermarket for the Vauxhall Industrial Estate between Ruabon and Johnstown.
Members of the public were given the chance to share their views and to see plans for the ambitious 40,000 sq ft proposed development during the consultation event at Ruabon Village Hall.
The company anticipates as many as 300 jobs could be created through the development, with a large number filled by local residents.
It has yet to be confirmed which supermarket would be likely to move into the premises, but Capital & Centric anticipate it being a major name.
Company director Adam Higgins said feedback had been positive prior to yesterday’s event but they were keen to hear from more residents and discuss any concerns.
He said: “It appears people have been keen to see the creation of a supermarket in this area.
“We have also had positive discussions with the community councils of Ruabon and Rhos.”
Mr Higgins, who anticipates either Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s or Morrisons moving onto the site, hopes work could start early next year if planning permission is granted and public support is clear during the consultation.
The development has largely been welcomed in the Ruabon community, although some concerns have been voiced at the possible impact on village shops.
Carol Evans, a florist at Petals on New High Street, said: “I think the supermarket will hopefully be good and it is something the community had wanted. Hopefully we won’t be too badly affected by people going there to shop.”
A disused industrial building, which has been empty since 1999, would be bulldozed to make way for the new store.
There will be a further consultation event tomorrow at the Stiwt, Rhos, from 2pm-8pm.
Residents and businesses who are located close to the proposed development have been contacted by the company and encouraged to attend the consultation events.