Home Bargains got the green light yesterday afternoon at the monthly planning committee for the long-awaited Limavady store, which could create as many as 60 jobs.
The proposed outlet was on the cards for almost two years. The 22,000 sq ft site at the rear of Catherine Street and Linenhall Street will also include a 148-space car park, a service yard, as well as a new access road and entrance.
According to the application 60 new jobs will be created at the Limavady store, which would be the retailer’s 24th in the north.
Alderman Alan Robinson has said the approval of Home Bargains will enhance the retail offering in Limavady Town Centre.
Speaking to Causeway Coast Community this morning He said, ‘It was widely welcomed across Limavady when Home Bargains made it public two years ago that they wished to open a large store on the derelict Market Yard site.
The site has been a blight on the centre of town for many years and therefore the submission of a planning application in September 2017 was greeted favourably amongst many local residents.
Given that this application would create 60 full and part-time jobs whilst regenerating a town centre location that was viewed as an eyesore, it was, therefore, a pleasure to propose that the green light be granted following almost two years of statutory consultations. It has been recognised for years that Limavady has been the victim of consumer leakage to neighbouring towns but with a new retail offering, it is a hope that some of that the leakage can be stemmed and that shoppers would remain in their home town.
While I absolutely recognise that this new store is not the panacea for Limavady but never the less the creation of 60 jobs and an opportunity to improve the vitality and viability of our town centre will be welcomed by many across the Roe Valley.’
