Waitrose, one of the leading luxury supermarkets in UK today, has recently revealed plans to build a new store in Exeter, a move which is expected to create nearly 200 new food jobs for the area. The multi-million pound project will involve redeveloping the former maternity ward building on Heavitree Road, which has been vacant for over a year, and turning it into a new 24,000 square foot Waitrose store.
Further planning will go ahead following a consultation with members of the public, which will involve an exhibition of Waitrose's plans. Exeter's response to the project has so far been fairly positive, with many believing that the upmarket food store will not only provide Exeter with an added attraction, but that it will also persuade other big chains such as John Lewis to consider the town as a suitable location for a new store.
Furthermore, Exeter's Chamber of Commerce is also welcoming the amount of construction and food jobs the project would create in the area, and is pleased that the unused site will be used for employment purposes.
Waitrose will submit a planning application by February 2010, and hope to complete and open the store by the end of 2011.
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