Tesco checks out expansion idea

The shopping giant, which also operates a 24-hour store on the Clifton Moor estate, today revealed it was considering upgrading its Tadcaster Road outlet - although plans are still in their very early stages.

Speculation is mounting that store bosses have their eyes on the adjacent Askham Bar 520-space park & ride scheme if they can secure nearby land to re-site the facility. But, although rumours are rife among local landowners, neither the city council nor Tesco could confirm this plan.

However Tesco spokesman Richard Anderson was able to confirm the 95,000 sq ft superstore, which opened in 1990, was earmarked for development.

"We are looking at the possibility of an expansion. It is very early days and the plans are not that detailed, but we are often looking at refurbishing existing operations - although we cannot comment on what it would be specifically.

"Customers who are familiar with our larger stores will probably have some idea of the kind of thing we have in mind. It is likely the store will house our clothing range and a greater choice of food."

The 34-checkout store, which cost £16 million, caused controversy before it was built when anti-superstore campaigners branded the former York City Council the "Judas" of local politics for selling 16 acres for the development.

In 1988 they took their protests to Downing Street amid fears the store would cause traffic problems and add to pressures on York's greenfield sites. But their efforts failed as plans were rubber stamped and money from the deal was used for the equally controversial Barbican complex.

A council spokesman confirmed Tesco had made an informal approach to discuss developing the site.

She said: "From what we understand, there are no definite plans and the council is not involved at this stage."

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