Tesco in Bantry

black47 · 26-12-2012 12:26pm #1

A new Tesco this time next year and about time too. The Biggs/O'Keefee families have had a stranglehold on retail in the town since about 1850.

A new Tesco shop will always bring a Dunnes or an Aldi/Lidl with it. Rumour has it that the O'Keefees hand has been forced and they will have to move on planning for a new Supervalu unit down off the council cark park by the old railway pier. It can only be good for the town and surrounding hinterland. Two main units with proper car parking outside the door.

The combination of these proposals and the planning gone in for the re-development of the inner harbour with a 230 berth marina will finally put the town on the map. It has always been the premier town in west cork, streets ahead of Bandon or Clonakilty. Just lacking good facilities.

mp22 · 26-12-2012 1:17pm

Just to point a couple of things.It was only planning permission that was granted last Friday.The land deal for the site(field past the entrance of Rowa)was done in the boom it is unlikely that tesco will want to pay 4 or 5 year old land prices.There is also talk in town that a concerned group of locals may take the planning permission to the high court.(rumour only)

Having said the above tesco would indeed be a welcome addition to the town.

black47 · 26-12-2012 3:34pm

It will be definitely built IMO. Even if the developers have to sell it on. There was an article in the Examiner a few days ago saying that it would start construction in 1st quarter 2013 and open by Christmas. When it comes to putting their hands to pay for a high court case, the begrudgers will be found wanting. All hot air. They won't stop it. It will be a cash cow for the town and existing town centre businesses

Little by little Bantry is getting on the map. New sewerage scheme stopped untreated sewerage flowing into the bay. Water supply upgraded and another upgrade planned. State of the art Community and Gaelscoil built. TheTesco scheme will be the catalyst for upparelled growth since the days of Gulf in Whiddy

DanWall · 26-12-2012 3:41pm

Anyone hear anything about Aldi in Bandon, the planning notice has been up for about a year, and I thik it is approved

who the fug · 26-12-2012 3:54pm

How big a Tescos are they talking and where exactly?

Just looked on Google view has Chesterson seals shut down

mp22 · 26-12-2012 4:24pm

who the fug wrote: »

How big a Tescos are they talking and where exactly?

Just looked on Google view has Chesterson seals shut down

A long time ago.It is a tyre centre now.The size in the planning is 2250sq/m aprox.The site is located on the right next to rowa,the entrance is meant to be where there is a gate just opposite the old road at newtown.

who the fug · 26-12-2012 4:48pm

mp22 wrote: »

A long time ago.It is a tyre centre now.The size in the planning is 2250sq/m aprox.The site is located on the right next to rowa,the entrance is meant to be where there is a gate just opposite the old road at newtown.

Bugger, use to be cool being in a workshop or engine room picking up them pump seals an saying that were I be from

Cheers for the image bit out of town, but seeing as they stopped parking in the square, suppose it makes it easier for everyone

mp22 · 26-12-2012 5:26pm

who the fug wrote: »

Bugger, use to be cool being in a workshop or engine room picking up them pump seals an saying that were I be from

Cheers for the image bit out of town, but seeing as they stopped parking in the square, suppose it makes it easier for everyone

It being out of town is what has the small buisness men nervous.You can still park around the square the council numbered the spots a few weeks ago, they have 70.The parking was numbered because it costs the Friday traders €5 per spot per day to trade or park their vans.

Max_Charger · 26-12-2012 6:23pm

black47 wrote: »

They won't stop it.

I'm not so sure, talking to a few locals saying they are confident it wont happen.

black47 · 26-12-2012 10:07pm

An bord pleanala have backed the decision od Cork County council. Even if it went to the high court. The chances of it being overturned are slim.

It's high time bantry moved into the 21st century and escaped the clutches of one supervalu shop

grange mac · 27-12-2012 1:24am

If i was a small retailer id be very nervious. Parking there is always a disaster. a new tesco will put them under pressure and will admit not a fan of tesco. People will have less reason to shop in the town in centra and butchers etc. aldi has done damage to the square shopps in dunmanway as people always shop where they can park now they dont go into the square anymore.
Sv are dear but there quality is good, find tesco veg not same quality. they always have speical offers after increasing the prices few months prior. all retailers do it but tesco more than rest.

my 2 cents

black47 · 27-12-2012 1:19pm

grange mac wrote: »

If i was a small retailer id be very nervious. Parking there is always a disaster. a new tesco will put them under pressure and will admit not a fan of tesco. People will have less reason to shop in the town in centra and butchers etc. aldi has done damage to the square shopps in dunmanway as people always shop where they can park now they dont go into the square anymore.
Sv are dear but there quality is good, find tesco veg not same quality. they always have speical offers after increasing the prices few months prior. all retailers do it but tesco more than rest.

my 2 cents

In fairness some good points raised. The debate about large units v local shops in rural ireland will continue to rage. I just feel that this development will be good for the town and will bring many more people into the town to shop that would previously be heading to Skibb or Dumanway to shop. Once they are in town they can make a day of it and head into the town proper to park and browse around.

At the moment elderly people are doing their shopping in Supervalu and having to wheel their trolleys down the square in wind and rain. This can't continue. A second large shop is needed with proper parking facilities.

Tomk1 · 04-01-2013 5:26pm

This sounds just like Midleton was, the SV owner use to be on the town council, blocking any other competition for decades. Tesco only got in by buying an old rundown Spar-supermarket, eventually after a few decades they got planning permission granted to build, because as they were allready trading in the town for such a time, that a newer store couldn't impact on the local trade ie SV (who previosly had no problems building thier own new store even taking some public park land for a carpark) but the likes of Dunnes will never get into the town, they have even been refused planning permission 10 miles out of the town.

Supposedly Aldi & Lidl got in because they would go all the way to the European court against unfair trading practices, ie. cartels & town councilers.

And today the overall negative impact is none, they're all making money, more choice, better for all, but for many years we also had small minds holding back the development of the Town.

I actually thought that the Bantry store was allready built, remember hearing about it when I lived in west-Cork, that was 4/5 years ago.

black47 · 04-01-2013 5:48pm

A very interesting post. Just shows that there is room for everyone and the main benefit will be to the consumer

TheDriver · 10-01-2013 11:56am

in Bandon, it was Supervalu who owned the land that Lidl built on (even if its a flood plain). Anyways, the reason was that Lidl brings customers wanting bargains and as they are there, pop in to Supervalu for other items........

black47 · 21-01-2013 1:42pm

mpp, how solid is that rumour about locals taking decision to the high court? Have you heard anything lately. Unfortunately I've heard murmers on same. It would be a disaster if construction is delayed for another year.

Does anyone know if there is a time limit on when an objector can take a judical review after an An Bord Pleanala is made?

Biggs/o'keefee consortium will be behind any judical review if it's taken I'd bet

mp22 · 21-01-2013 3:10pm

black47 wrote: »

mpp, how solid is that rumour about locals taking decision to the high court? Have you heard anything lately. Unfortunately I've heard murmers on same. It would be a disaster if construction is delayed for another year.

Does anyone know if there is a time limit on when an objector can take a judical review after an An Bord Pleanala is made?

Biggs/o'keefee consortium will be behind any judical review if it's taken I'd bet

All quiet at the minute,anyho I walk the dog past the gate that will be the entrance to the site every day.As soon as something starts I will post here about it.

all_smilz · 21-01-2013 8:49pm

then all they would need would be a decent nightclub because Cargo does NOT count! West Cork needs a decent nightclub where ppl want to go. Not just for last call or the last chance shift brigade!

mp22 · 21-01-2013 8:58pm

all_smilz wrote: »

then all they would need would be a decent nightclub because Cargo does NOT count! West Cork needs a decent nightclub where ppl want to go. Not just for last call or the last chance shift brigade!

Well, every little bit helps!

black47 · 24-01-2013 11:36am

Latest rumour is that the landowner who owns the ROWA factory adjacent the site and owns the site has changed her mind on selling the land to the developers. It appears that she doesn't need the money

Jesus wept on the cross. Every time the town trys to move forward it's dragged back to the last century again

mp22 · 24-01-2013 4:26pm

black47 wrote: »

Latest rumour is that the landowner who owns the ROWA factory adjacent the site and owns the site has changed her mind on selling the land to the developers. It appears that she doesn't need the money

Jesus wept on the cross. Every time the town trys to move forward it's dragged back to the last century again

I dont think that the developers would do all the work they have without having a deal done for the land.ie a signed deal subject to planning permission.IMO

black47 · 24-01-2013 4:48pm

mp22 wrote: »

I dont think that the developers would do all the work they have without having a deal done for the land.ie a signed deal subject to planning permission.IMO

I hope you're right, surely there would have had to have been a legal understanding between both parties.

Bigdaddy1963 · 02-02-2013 2:47am

To many dinosaurs in Bantry who can't stand any outsiders coming in (GET A GRIP MOVE ON !! ) ,thats why the place is stuck in the last century. There will be for 1 a car park which enables you to push your trolley to your car without breaking your neck. The Towns that thrive are the ones who move with the times . I think someone should extend the airport runway & put planning in for a terminal . Ryanair for sure will fly in . More jobs plus we don't have to drive to Cork or Kerry .

lisao80 · 03-02-2013 11:01pm

black47 wrote: »

Latest rumour is that the landowner who owns the ROWA factory adjacent the site and owns the site has changed her mind on selling the land to the developers. It appears that she doesn't need the money

Jesus wept on the cross. Every time the town trys to move forward it's dragged back to the last century again

I heard the same thing..it will be a disgrace if it doesn't go ahead, this town is a dump and badly in need of something to come into the town..plus I'm sick of having to go to skibb or dunmanway for my shopping. Bantry SuperValu turns my stomach it's so manky

mp22 · 19-02-2013 9:24pm

Just a quick update as of today 19/02/13 no work started at the site.

Righteous_Bob · 19-02-2013 10:53pm

mp22 wrote: »

Just a quick update as of today 19/02/13 no work started at the site.

I heard there was a digger at the site for a while yesterday so something's happening anyway.

black47 · 20-02-2013 10:47am

Righteous_Bob wrote: »

I heard there was a digger at the site for a while yesterday so something's happening anyway.

Top man Righteous, please keep us posted if you hear anymore. Maybe the landowner and the developers have struck a deal

mp22 · 20-02-2013 4:21pm

Righteous_Bob wrote: »

I heard there was a digger at the site for a while yesterday so something's happening anyway.

Well I walk past the site every day sure as hell no sign of a digger in there.

Righteous_Bob · 20-02-2013 8:06pm

Apparently it was there for a couple of hours in the morning.

mp22 · 20-02-2013 9:20pm

I will keep a eye on it.

black47 · 01-03-2013 9:29am

Saw that GW Biggs/O'Keeffee's have lodged a planning to build a whole new store on the other side of the the slob from the Maritme Hotel. What are the bets that they'll never build it unless tesco goes ahead

mp22 · 01-03-2013 7:30pm

black47 wrote: »

Saw that GW Biggs/O'Keeffee's have lodged a planning to build a whole new store on the other side of the the slob from the Maritme Hotel. What are the bets that they'll never build it unless tesco goes ahead

You will get no takers on that bet in Bantry.No sign of any work on site as at 3 30 today.

corcaigh07 · 17-03-2013 8:12pm

Keep up the info guys, nice to hear about it from abroad. Was even thinking about applying for Tesco should it get built before Christmas, which is looking unlikely at this moment.

black47 · 19-03-2013 11:27am

corcaigh07 wrote: »

Keep up the info guys, nice to hear about it from abroad. Was even thinking about applying for Tesco should it get built before Christmas, which is looking unlikely at this moment.

Latest news from what i hear is that the developers are trying to beat down the landowners price as the site value would have dropped significantly from when they first agreed to buy. She's owns ROWA next door, is independantly wealthy, and has no intention of dropping the price.

Stalemate all around at the moment.

mp22 · 19-03-2013 12:30pm

Hardly a word about the place in town atm,still no start on site.

who the fug · 19-03-2013 12:49pm

black47 wrote: »

Latest news from what i hear is that the developers are trying to beat down the landowners price as the site value would have dropped significantly from when they first agreed to buy. She's owns ROWA next door, is independantly wealthy, and has no intention of dropping the price.

Stalemate all around at the moment.

Seeing as they have been there for 54 years, I don't think they will be a push over

sports bantry · 21-03-2013 2:58pm

black47 wrote: »

A very interesting post. Just shows that there is room for everyone and the main benefit will be to the consumer

Just one problem with the new proposed move for Super Value, the council car park as is called is not what it seems , as the Community owns this piece of ground, Council only leases this area on five year roll-over, two of the five years have now elapsed, the people of Bantry should not allow the sale of this area unless the money raised is given to the local Sporting bodies, the Council have never supplied a Community sports field or anything that the local kids can go too, Skibb . Clon,Bandon,all have council granted facility, even Durrus have a Community pitch. This issue needs to be rectified BEFORE any talk of planning is spoken of, Why should THE COMMUNITY CENTRE as all the people of Bantry know this area as, be given as a car-park to any Business who in turn is making money off the same people who own the car-park, good luck to Super Value for trying to better their service to Bantry and I hope they get planning, as long as they pay the people of Bantry for the use, or the sale of the said car-park.

Max_Charger · 21-03-2013 6:23pm

sports bantry wrote: »

Why should THE COMMUNITY CENTRE as all the people of Bantry know this area as, be given as a car-park to any Business who in turn is making money off the same people who own the car-park.

I was with you up until this bit, no idea where you're talking about and I'm from Bantry.

mp22 · 21-03-2013 6:58pm

Max_Charger wrote: »

I was with you up until this bit, no idea where you're talking about and I'm from Bantry.

I'm guessing its the car park on the right as you head down to the railway pier.

sports bantry · 22-03-2013 2:59am

That is right, down towards the Beach where they also recycle Glass etc, a perfect place for an all weather pitch, The Rugby Club- Soccer Club-and the Gaa could share a facility and the Basketball club could also avail of this close season, basically what I am saying is that if the area is sold,it should only be sold with the Community been involved, and if it is not sold, and leased to whoever builds down there the money from sale or lease should go to the above Community sports clubs, as over the last 30 years the local Council has given nothing to keep the kids of this wonderful Town occupied, Council managed to get rid of the old handball ally so who is to say they wont sell the people of the Town short again, again only my opinion.

corcaigh07 · 23-03-2013 6:39am

slightly off topic but whatever happened to the Bantry Sports centre? I remember a big draw for a new car to raise funds for the centre, where did the money go? Was meant to be built across from the Westlodge I believe.

Also, why in god's name would Rowa not sell the land beside them? What is the land being used for? Oh yea, NOTHING! It's like Bantry House stopping the development of a cinema all over again for no reason.

Only gripe I'd have against the new Tesco would be that it could be pretty ugly, a lot of trees would have to be cut down. I would hope it would be done as tastefully as possible. Look at Rowa, big potential eyesore yet driving or walking into town, you barely notice them. You can only really notice the entrance.

black47 · 24-03-2013 11:15am

As far as I know, the Supervalu planning has gone in on an area that is owned by the ESB and doesn't affect the existing car park. The planning is for a 3 storey building with a basement (For deliveries presumeably) and on site multi storey parking. This would mean that the concerns about community facilities will have to be taken up with the council directly and not the developers

black47 · 28-03-2013 9:18am

Another source tells me that after much posturing and brinkmanship the landowner and developers are withing an ace of signing the deal to sell the land. This would need to happen quickly if the unit is to have any chance of being ready for Christmas trading.

Interesting times

celticbouy · 12-04-2013 10:35pm

heard today that biggs were refused planning for their new supermarket
down in the old esb yard , hardly suprising, nothing seems to be happening with Tesco ,anybody hear any thring

Righteous_Bob · 12-04-2013 11:13pm

No activity at the site unfortunately

romeri · 14-04-2013 9:56pm

black47 wrote: »

Another source tells me that after much posturing and brinkmanship the landowner and developers are withing an ace of signing the deal to sell the land. This would need to happen quickly if the unit is to have any chance of being ready for Christmas trading.

Interesting times

I'm curious about how reliable that info is, given the developer's financial history?

black47 · 17-04-2013 11:49am

celticbouy wrote: »

heard today that biggs were refused planning for their new supermarket
down in the old esb yard , hardly suprising, nothing seems to be happening with Tesco ,anybody hear any thring

The plot thickens. Celticbuoy. Saw on CCC planning website today that the planning has not been refused and a further infomation request has gone out for the Biggs planning. I've previously seen this to mean that the council have a mind to grant it as long as the further information is up to scratch. Don't know whether there are any observations on the file so far. Will ring and check out and post an update

celticbouy · 17-04-2013 8:47pm

oops sorry about that

, I don't understand why they are going for planning down there because in the an bord planalla report #239840 it states that they would not look favourably on any development down there [section 8.2.2.13] by the way is the development below the library completely dead in the water

mp22 · 18-04-2013 11:58am

celticbouy wrote: »

oops sorry about that , I don't understand why they are going for planning down there because in the an bord planalla report #239840 it states that they would not look favourably on any development down there [section 8.2.2.13] by the way is the development below the library completely dead in the water

What development below the library?

It was Hurley's garage sold to Biggs& co now there is a biggs wholesale shop there.They bought some of the back gardens on market street and have enlarged the car park.

black47 · 18-04-2013 1:35pm

mp22 wrote: »

What development below the library?

It was Hurley's garage sold to Biggs& co now there is a biggs wholesale shop there.They bought some of the back gardens on market street and have enlarged the car park.

There is supposed to be a Lidl or Aldi going in there. Biggs/O'Keeffes supposed to be doing the deal. I'm not sure but I think there is a nationwide understanding between Supervalu and Lidl/Aldi that one won't object to the other in order to keep Tesco/Dunnes out.

This has been rumoured for some time but like everything there's nothing happening at the moment.

black47 · 18-04-2013 1:40pm

romeri wrote: »

I'm curious about how reliable that info is, given the developer's financial history?

It's about as reliable as any other rumour going around about Tesco. Speculation is rife. I'm aware of the 2 developers financial history. I'd venture to say that 1 of them would still certainly have the €'s to move it on but not the other.

Tesco in Bantry

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