Kirkland prepares to show Marple plans

Kirkland Developments, Stockport Council's preferred developer for a food store in Marple town centre, said it would begin formal pre-planning consultation in October.

Kirkland beat other bidders for the site when it was offered to the market by the local authority. The developer was appointed preferred developer by the council's executive in June.

The food store will be located off Trinity Street where the Royal Mail depot currently stands, and is intended to reverse grocery spend leakage out of the town.

Many local residents carry out their weekly shop outside Marple town centre, reducing footfall for other businesses and adding to fuel costs for shoppers.

Kirkland said it will address local concerns over the location of a food store to serve Marple and has plan the proposals to encourage linked trips between the town centre site and local shops, particularly along Market Street and Trinity Street. The plans include an enhanced pedestrian route from Market Street, between the Bull's Head Pub and Royal Bank of Scotland, over Trinity Street to the proposed store entrance.

A public exhibition will be held in October, though details have yet to be released. The launch of Kirkland's proposals comes as Asda holds its public exhibition for an out-of-town store on Hibbert Lane.

Rod Hogarth, managing director of Kirkland Developments, said: "As a local company and the Council's preferred development partner, we're pleased to be in a position to bring forward proposals for a foodstore right in the heart of Marple town centre.

"This store is in a great location. It will help to increase footfall to the town centre and enable local residents to do their weekly shop at a store in Marple, meaning that they don't have to travel elsewhere – saving time and money, and helping the local economy.

"We are in discussions with a number of high quality food retailers who have expressed an interest in locating here, particularly if the council were to refuse permission for Asda's current plans for an out-of-centre foodstore on Hibbert Lane.

"It's important to hear the views of the local community before we submit our planning application and I would encourage those who can attend to come along to our consultation events."