Tesco Drops Plans To Build On Former Evershed's Site In St Albans

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has confirmed that it is no longer intending to build a superstore on the former Evershed's site in St Albans.

Confirmation came today after Tesco announced that it would be relocating its existing city centre store into the former Woolworths premises to almost double the sales area.

Nick Gellatly of Tesco said that that the company had "taken the opportunity" to consider the future of the Eversheds site in London Road and did not intend to submit a new planning application for the site.

He added: "We've asked Spen Hill Development Ltd., our subsidiary company, to look at alternative uses for the site and they will shortly begin discussions with the council.

"We will announce plans for the site in due course but they will not include a large store."

The news is a victory for campaigners such as Stop Tesco who fought tooth and nail to prevent the scheme going ahead.

Anne Main, MP for St Albans, said: “I think that this is the best outcome for St Albans. I have always maintained that the Eversheds site was unsuitable for such a massive store and that the associated traffic would be extremely bad for residents. I am pleased that Tesco have recognised this and chosen to focus on the disused Woolworths site, as this will bring an empty unit back into use, and Tesco already has a presence in St Peters Street.

"The issue now becomes what happens to the Eversheds site. I think it is important that a suitable use is found soon, preferably for a more suitable mixed scheme so that London Road entrance loses the tatty, derelict appearance and local residents have certainty over what is happening. We have a great opportunity to put something worthwhile on the site which could enhance the city, and I am pleased that Tesco have finally listened to the people of St Albans.”