Kingsway not made aware of Tesco's plans

Date published: 17 February 2010

On hearing of the shock announcement by Tesco that they are to close their Middleton distribution centre, Chairman of Middleton Township Councillor Peter Williams expressed surprise that use of "Kingsway Business Park, strategically straddling the M62, had not been considered or taken up".

John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency said: “We are hugely disappointed that Wincanton Logistics has lost its transportation contract with Tesco to their competitor Stobarts.

We understand that employees are being consulted and will be offered positions either with Tesco or Stobart, however this will be a big concern for many local families.

We are working with the Council on protecting jobs for local people and supporting their discussions with Wincanton and Tesco. We are also in discussions with landowners at Stakehill Business Park about available support.”

Did Kingsway Partnership attempt to persuade Tesco to move to Kingsway Business Park?

“Tesco’s decision to award its transportation contract to Stobart was decided behind closed doors and not publicised on the property market, so the Kingsway Partnership and property agents operating in the area were not made aware of Tesco’s plans.

“The Stobart Group already had a presence in Widnes, with links to the port, which we understand formed part of Tesco’s decision making in terms of reducing road distribution. Tesco and all major supermarket retailers are aware of the benefits Kingsway has to offer and our agents are working hard to market the park to target industries.”