Tesco site's 250 job plan
Supermarket giant Tesco is on the verge of announcing plans for a major multi-million pound store in Rugeley which could create more than 250 jobs.
The Express & Star can reveal the company is in the final stages of drawing up a proposal for the town, which would include a 40,000sq ft supermarket with a 20,500 sq ft retail business next door.
The long-awaited store will be built on land at Leathermill Lane which Tesco already owns.
There will also be a petrol station and car park, also as part of the plans Cannock Chase Council would want a pedestrian footbridge linking the town centre to the supermarket.
It is thought the plan, which would be subject to the council granting planning permission, would open up land between the town centre and the supermarket for regeneration.
Tesco has already held discussions with planning officers at the council about the plans which could be announced as soon as April or May this year.
The plan will be widely welcomed in the town after a £20 million scheme in 2002 was rejected by Government ministers, despite widespread support in the district.
The key to the success of this latest project will rest on the adoption by the council of an action plan for Rugeley which includes the development of a foodstore on the site.
This could become council policy within a few months.
