Tesco Express store set to open in Portchester precinct by 'early 2021'
A NEW supermarket could be coming to a shopping precinct in Portchester, turning around the area’s fortunes after a series of closures.
Tesco has submitted plans to turn the former Co-op in West Street into a Tesco Express by next summer.
The area lost a bank, a post office, a McColl’s convenience store, and its cash machines within the space of nine months – although another convenience store has since opened with plans for a post office.
The opening of the Tesco, which will include a cash machine, would further help to the precinct become ‘a more lively place’, according to Fareham Borough Councillor Roger Price.
Cllr Price said: ‘It’s really good news for the precinct. Tesco will bring people to the precinct and this will be good for the other shops.
‘Anything that makes the precinct a more lively place is good news.’
The Tesco Express store will not occupy the entirety of the West Street unit – with the use of the remaining space yet to be confirmed.
Cllr Price: ‘The store would be half the size of The Co-op from the plans I have seen.
‘There have been rumours that it may feature a gym – but these are just rumours that have gone around for a while.’
The supermarket giant has submitted plans to install a cash machine, air conditioning units, and four signs at the shop for approval by Fareham Borough Council.
A Tesco spokesperson said: ‘We have submitted a planning application for a new Tesco Express store at 12 West Street, Portchester to serve customers in the area with great quality, affordable food and create new jobs for the community.
‘Subject to planning permission, we hope to open early in 2021 and will keep the community updated as our plans progress.’