Sainsbury's jobs boost in store

Published on Wednesday 25 February 2009 08:59

AROUND 350 jobs could be on the way to West Lothian if a supermarket giant gets the go-ahead for a £23 million development.

Sainsbury's intends to build a 40,000sq ft food store with a petrol forecourt on the speedway stadium site, home of the Edinburgh Monarchs, on Armadale's east boundary.

The new store would create around 350 new full and part-time jobs as part of the town's regeneration plans.

Sainsbury's has agreed to buy the site from the current owners, subject to securing a successful planning permission.

But the company will have stiff competition from other stores, who also want a presence in the town, and there is only room for one new supermarket.

A number of sites have all been earmarked for development.

Concerns have been raised regarding the proposals as the proposed petrol station is a matter of yards away from an existing one and local traders – including the Co-op, which has been in Armadale for 146 years – will face new competition.

Armadale Community Council has called a public meeting for next Thursday.