Work poised to start on landmark Tesco

Contractors building a flagship £27 million Tesco supermarket are finally ready to start their work, after coming across relics of the site's industrial past.

Demolition of the old Tesco store, at Burnt Tree Island, Dudley, is complete and the site, which is close to Dudley Castle and Zoo, has been cleared of debris.

But before foundation work can start, tons of concrete is being used to fill in a number of old mine shafts discovered during preparatory work.

The original supermarket was built in 1992, on the site of the former Ewarts factory, which made hot brass stampings and light engineering components for a number of industries, including the motor and gas trade.

Peter Vinnicombe, who managed the old Tesco store for 18 years, said: "The remains of the old store have now been totally cleared from the site.

"Preparatory work for the laying of the first foundations has now started. There are lots of old mine workings on this site and there are a number of holes that have to be filled in before this can begin.

"Once this has been completed the construction can begin in earnest."

The new store will be one of the largest in the Black Country and could include a hair salon, nail bar and even a gymnasium but a decision over this phase of the scheme is still to be made.

It is hoped the store will be open by Christmas. The landmark clock tower has been torn down.