Supermarket giants ASDA to build a store in Armadale.

May 19 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

Asda

SUPERMARKET giants ASDA have signed up to build a store in Armadale.

SDA Limited, the firm behind the Armadale Station Community Development, have also announced that Bellway Homes and Taylor Wimpey have agreed to construct 180 houses at the site.

The firm, whose plans are focused on land next to the new Armadale railway station, say these developments mark the latest stage in what they claim is a £200 million regeneration plan which they say could bring more than 4,500 permanent jobs to the area.

It is anticipated that the 40,000 square foot ASDA store which will have car parking for 600 cars, including a park and ride, will create 150 full and part-time jobs.

It is expected that housebuilding will commence this summer, with enabling works for the supermarket site beginning in early August, with the store hoping to be open in 2013.

SDA Ltd said this achievement marks the culmination of eight years of hard work by the development team, with significant assistance and support from West Lothian Council, Armadale Community Council and the local community, to regenerate the area.

As this initial phase of the mixed-use development commences, the developers say they are keen to keep up the momentum on delivering the overall masterplan for the 120 hectares site which includes 1,000 houses, a hotel, restaurants, retail, a care home, multiplex cinema, health centre, leisure facilities, industrial units, offices as well as public parks.

Commenting on the announcement Sandra Carter of SDA Ltd said: “We are delighted to have such prestigious operators as ASDA, Taylor Wimpey and Bellway Homes at Armadale Station Development.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in one of the most exciting regeneration projects taking place in Scotland, especially during such a challenging time in the property industry, and we cannot thank the community enough for the support they have given us over the past eight years.”

Elizabeth Hands, chair of Armadale Community Council said she looked forward to residents reaping the benefits from the development

She added: “The development, coming so soon after the opening of railway station, marks a new era in the history of the town.

“The support given to the Station Development by the local community is now bearing fruit with the announcement by ASDA and the work to be started by Taylor Wimpey and Bellway on the first residential projects. The community council looks forward to seeing the benefits to the people of Armadale on the completion of these projects.”

Fraser Conn, Sales and Marketing Director at Bellway Homes said: “Development at this attractive location will assist in ensuring that the vision of Armadale as a thriving growing community in the heart of central Scotland is realised.

“The delivery of housing, in addition to the other facilities at this development, will regenerate not just the area around the station, but will maximise the regeneration of the town as a whole.

“We have been determined to include a mix of homes, both in style and pricing, that not only ensure an extensive range of buyers are being catered to, but that will help promote family living in this area of town.”

Karen Armstrong, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “This is a great opportunity and indicates our confidence as a company in future development in Armadale.

“The station has acted as a tremendous catalyst for regeneration and we look forward to being able to update people further at the Gala Day.”

Armadale Station Development is one of the sponsors behind the Armadale Gala Day this year, and members of the public will have the opportunity to view the supermarket and housing proposals at the Armadale Street Fayre on June 17 and at the Gala Day itself on June 18, with the development team and representatives from the housebuilders on hand to answer any questions.