A retail giant has unveiled plans to fill an empty hole on Newport High Street.
Proposals have been put forward by Tesco to join together 35 and 36 Newport High Street, the former Laura Ashley store, to provide a new branch.
Internal changes
It would see the partial demolition of internal partitions.
Planning documents say the alterations will enable a layout and access suitable for the proposed tenants’ business and the general public.
The building, as part of the block of shops on the High Street, is Grade II listed.
Company went bust
Laura Ashley, the clothing and home retail shop, closed in 2020, after the Covid pandemic had a significant impact on business and saw administrators appointed.
The shop has been empty ever since but could be filled by the supermarket chain which already has stores in Ryde, Wootton, Ventnor, Lake and Freshwater.
A Tesco spokesperson said,
“We’re always looking at the best ways to serve our customers on the Isle of Wight and will share any plans for new stores in due course.”
View the plans
You can view the applications, 22/01177/FUL and 22/01178/LBC, on the council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 12th August.
A separate planning permission will have to be sought for the installation of signs on the outside of the building.
Article edit
11am 13th Jul 2022 – Comment from Tesco added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
