A SITE in Carryduff once earmarked by Tesco for a new store looks set to be revived by a Co Tyrone developer in a new supermarket project that could create up to 80 full-time jobs.
The retail giant was granted planning permission in 2011 for a 23,000 sq ft store on the site.
But in 2015, new Tesco boss Dave Lewis wielded the axe, shutting some 43 UK stores. The move also saw the Carryduff bid aborted.
Retail NI, which lobbies for town centres and independent traders had welcomed the development at the time.
Now the supermarket bid on the site has been revived, but by a well known Co Tyrone family.
Sanlane Investments Ltd has granted planning permission for a smaller retail venture on the site.
The company is owned by the Mulgrew family from Dungannon.
At just under 11,000 sq ft, the new Carryduff store it will be less than half the size of the Tesco proposal.
According to a report compiled by planning officials at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, UK retailer NISA will occupy the new store.
The developer has said its investment in the project is worth £3.25 million, with the potential of creating 80 full-time posts.
Sanlane said its bid would also bring an empty site back into use, generating £75,000 in annual rates.
With its closest store located in Ballynahinch, NISA has identified Carryduff as a gap in its portfolio in the north.
Until last year, the convenience retailer had been owned by its members, around 1,100 shopkeepers with a network of some 2,400 UK stores, including around 90 in Northern Ireland.
In 2018, the Co-op group succeeded in a £143m takeover bid.
