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Supermarket giants check out of Drumadd as it’s... Asda La Vista!

Thursday, 2 February 2012

DOUBT has been raised over the future of a major Asda store on the site of a former military base in Armagh.
Drumadd Barracks, on the Hamiltonsbawn Road, is back on the market with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirming that a fresh marketing campaign will commence shortly.
It was believed that retail giant Asda were on the brink of securing a deal that would see a new superstore built on the site.
When quizzed by the Ulster Gazette in the past, the MOD confirmed that they were in the final stages of negotiations regarding the sale of the former barracks.
The story was first reported by the Gazette back in 2010 and, following an original marketing campaign, a number of interested parties came forward.
This news comes just a number of weeks after Tesco officially confirmed their intention to build on the disused Fane Valley site on the junction of Railway Street and Alexander Road.
Speaking to the Gazette, Ulster Unionist Councillor Slyvia McRoberts said: "Armagh does not have the population to sustain any further food outlet.
“This city is well served with high quality supermarkets and another store would have a seriously negative impact on our city centre.
“This has been well demonstrated by looking at other town centres, with examples being Portadown and Lurgan".
SDLP Councillor Mealla Campbell also spoke to the Gazette on the news that previous negotiations had fallen through.
“It's unfortunate to hear this news but, hopefully, the MOD will get a new marketing campaign up and going and, with it, hopefully they will secure a buyer that will not only benefit them and the site but Armagh City and District too.
“Drumadd is a fantastic site with huge potential, so I would be confident that a buyer will surface in the not so distant future.
“Inevitably, somebody will see its potential and let's hope it's in the not so distant future."
She concluded: "This is a key site in Armagh and any development will bring jobs and investment at a crucial time for the city.
“I would hope that, whoever the eventual purchaser is, they will work with the council and local traders to ensure the interests of Armagh City and District."
Former Ulster Unionist Mayor Jim Speers, speaking to the Gazette, told of the huge potential the site has to offer.
“We at the council have been keeping a watching brief on the site because it's an area of tremendous potential and job creation.
“The council will no doubt be in consultation with the Ministry of Defence on the future of the site and how it can be developed for the wider interests of Armagh."
Defence Estates has instructed leading property consultancy firm GVA Grimley to oversee the sale.
The military base - which had previously occupied the site - was closed for the last time five years ago as it had become surplus to requirements.
The barracks had been built in 1975 to accommodate units on short term emergency tours in and around the city.
It was never, at that time, intended to house a permanent garrison.
The proceeds of the sale will be passed on to the Northern ireland Executive, part of a deal struck during moves to bring about the successful devolution of Policing and Justice.

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