PLANS have bene unveiled for a new Iceland superstore at the Southend Airport Retail Park.
A planning application submitted to Rochford Council this week has revealed proposals to transform the former Carpetright site into a “Food Warehouse by Iceland”.
Food Warehouse by Iceland stores stock many of the same products as popular Iceland shops, but offer focus on larger pack sizes and bulk buying.
Expansion – the brand says it is the fastest growing supermarket in the UK (Image: Iceland Foods)
While plans are at an early stage, there is enthusiasm from councillors to see the empty space put to use at the busy retail park.
Rochford Conservative councillor for Roche South Mike Steptoe said: “Like all of these planning applications it’s difficult for me to comment as part of the planning committee.
“However, I will say that the little shopping area near Southend Airport is very well supported and long may it reign.
“It is well supported by residents who use it regularly, it is in a fantastic location for any business to thrive, so it is natural for any large retailer to have an interest in opening a shop there and of course we don’t want to see such a valuable location remain empty.”
Revamp – the plans include an artist’s impression of how the new design will look (Image: Iceland Foods)
The pending proposals would see rapidly expanding bulk-buy brand under Iceland’s umbrella reshape the shopfront with two full height shopfronts, one half-height shopfront and automatic doors at the entrance.
Although the Southend Airport Retail Park falls under the remit of Rochford Council, there is also positive praise from Southend councillors for the growing success of the retail park.
Last year a new Next and Costa Coffee opened at the retail park, adding to the already existing Home Bargains, Sports Direct and B&M stores.
Southend Labour councillor for business Matt Dent said: “The Southend Airport business park is one of those areas that has been growing enormously in recent years, and I am delighted to see that Iceland have an interest in opening a new location there.
“The area has an important function to residents and every business that opens there is an asset to the area and to the local community.”