Post in London Road Tesco Proposal

Apr 08 07:29 UTC

This was reported in the Argus a few weeks ago.

I know that Tesco seem to be unstoppable in their bid for world
domination but I wonder whether they will have their own way on this
one. For a start, the new council leader, Mary Mears, might have a few
things to say about any plans that affect the financial viability of her
two market stalls. But also, this council and the previous
administration have been looking at ways to reduce traffic coming into
central Brighton, a massive supermarket on the main artery into town
would immediately add another level of congestion.

In addition, there are several supermarkets in the area already:
Sainsbury's, Somerfield, Iceland, the new Aldi and the Lewes Road Co-op
not too far away. How would it regenerate the area to put one building
to use while forcing the closure of two, three or four more? And that's
not counting the small traders who would be put out of business. They'd
also need to develop well beyond the Co-op store itself - probably
taking over the bike shop that stands where AA Baker did, the old chapel
and the pound shop that's there.

Personally, I like Tony C's suggestion below - I certainly feel that the
Open Market should be a thriving area not the almost shameful secret
that it is. I'm sure that the council would prefer a tenant other than
Tesco - my bet is that they'd love John Lewis to come to Brighton - but
we all know that Tesco have deep pockets and powerful lawyers so it
wouldn't astonish me to see them winning in the end.