Sainsbury's new plans boost Bristol 2018 World Cup bid

July 9 – Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has revised plans for a flagship store it wants to build at Ashton Gate which holds the key as to whether Bristol will be able to build the new stadium it needs to if it wants to hold World Cup matches if England’s bid to host 2018 is successful.

The new superstore would provide 450 new jobs as well as providing one of the key links in funding Bristol City’s new £92 million ($139 million) 44,000-capacity stadium at Ashton Vale.

The supermarket giant has revised its plans in a bid to get them approved by Bristol City Council.

The revised plans for the new store means there will be no vehicular access from Ashton Road - one of the main worries for residents who live in the area.

There will also be a fully enclosed delivery yard to reduce noise and light disturbance.

Other changes include moving the petrol station further from people’s homes and improving landscaping.

There will also be free car parking for three hours instead of two to encourage shoppers to use North Street shops, cafes and bars.

Sainsbury’s made the revisions to its original plans as a result of an extensive consultation exercise to take on board people’s views.

Jamie Baker, Sainsbury’s regional development executive, said: “We always take public consultation very seriously and listen to what people tell us. The feedback we’ve had has been mostly very positive.”

Bristol City chief executive Colin Sexstone said: “Generally speaking, there is a good feel about these plans because so many people benefit.

In terms of the three sites - building the new stadium, redeveloping Ashton Gate and plans for redeveloping the site of the existing store - represents an investment of about £150 million($226 million) for South Bristol.

“It offers a wonderful opportunity for the area and provides a classic example of how private sector investment can help to redress the balance in South Bristol which has suffered from a lack of investment for years.”

If consent is given, then only one major hurdle will remain before work can start on the stadium - the outcome of the application by Ashton Vale residents to designate the stadium site as a town green which would stop any building work.

A planning inquiry has already been held and the inspector’s recommendations have yet to be revealed.

Her findings will be put before the council’s legal team who will put their own recommendations to Councillors who sit on the Rights of Way Committee.

If the decision goes against the residents, they have the right to take the matter to court for a judicial review.