FORTY new jobs are being created as part of a £1.7 million investment in a new SuperValu store in Crossgar.
Musgrave retail Partners (MRPNI) has teamed up with businessman Gabriel Bell to develop the 6,000 sq ft supermarket and filling station adjacent to his brother's well-known Bell's Motors business. The Bell family has been trading on the site in Crossgar since 1935 when Gabriel's grandfather ran a cattle and poultry exporting business. The new store is due to open in September and will offer a range of services to include a butchery, deli, hot food bar and parking for 70 vehicles.
Situated on the main arterial road linking Downpatrick to Belfast, Super-Valu Crossgar will service several residential housing developments as well as a number of schools and a large rural hinterland.
MRPNI SuperValu sales director Nigel Maxwell said: "I'm delighted to welcome such an established businessman as Gabriel to MRPNI and our retail group.
"This new store represents a significant investment for MrPNI in Cross-gar with the creation of large number of jobs for local people," he added.
Gabriel Bell said: "My family has been trading in Crossgar since my father first started his cattle and poultry business in the 1930s and latterly through my brother Charlie's motor business.
"I'm excited at partnering Musgrave on this new venture."
MrPNI supports more than 250 independent SuperValu, Centra and Mace retail stores in the north with a combined turnover in excess of £600 million.
South Down SDLP MP Margaret ritchie, welcoming the Crossgar investment, said: "this highly significant development will benefit the local community and demonstrates a company that believes in this area."