Major job boost for Downpatrick by Eurospar
A proposal by Henderson Group to develop a £2.8m EUROSPAR in Downpatrick would create 50 full and part time jobs in the immediate locality.
A similar number of jobs in the construction sector would be maintained during the installation of the store which will feature a new modern forecourt with charging points for electric vehicles.
The proposed Ardglass Road retail development is to replace a smaller existing SPAR operation on nearby Edward Street.
Martin Connolly, the existing retailer at Edward Street said: “I have worked with the Henderson Group for many years, and I think the new development will be great for the area.
“People are increasingly shopping local and more often and I know from my experience that there is a real need for a new and improved shop to serve the local community.”
Henderson Group says it represents sustainable development for the regeneration of an edge of centre, brownfield site on an arterial route into and out of Downpatrick.
Henderson Group Property Director Mark Adrain says: “The proposal is in the urban area and will serve a local population working, visiting and living in the catchment and is accessible by a range of modes of transport including cycling and walking.”
The original proposal included an additional retail unit which has since been removed. This reduces the retail floorspace of the proposed development from 586 square metres to 519 square metres.
“EUROSPARs have been proven to help regenerate the areas in which they operate,” said Mark Adrain. “We work closely with suppliers, most of whom are local family businesses, to ensure best pricing and maintain top quality of produce.
“Also, we employ local people offering flexible working hours which is particularly attractive to those with caring responsibilities.”
The Group own or support 497 stores across the province and has a strong presence in the NM&D District Council area. It has 10 company-owned stores and 45 Spar independent franchise stores located across the district servicing the local community.
The Henderson Group is an indigenous family-owned business. It is one of Northern Ireland’s leading wholesale and retail employers with 102 company-owned stores and 380 franchise stores located in towns and villages across Northern Ireland.
It employs over 13,000 people, both directly by the Group and indirectly through its franchises.
