Sainsbury’s Proposed For Dobson & Crowther Site
An agreement has been reached that could bring Sainsbury’s to Llangollen on the site of the current Dobson & Crowther building. The multi-million pound investment would help Dobson & Crowther to move to a new, purpose-built building modernising their operation and safeguarding the business. A new Sainsbury’s would also bring much-needed new jobs to the area.
Graham Wilson, Sainsbury’s regional development executive, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that not only benefits Dobson & Crowther, but also allows Sainsbury’s to help the residents of Llangollen live well for less. Now that we’ve finalised the agreement with J Ross, we can start talking to local people and traders about other ways the store can benefit the town, such as encouraging more shoppers into the high street.”
Graham Wilson continued: “Importantly, our store would create a large number of jobs for local people. Sainsbury’s colleagues have the opportunity to pursue a range of careers, gain nationally recognised qualifications and benefit from flexible working practices to meet their individual needs. Sainsbury’s was the first food retailer to be awarded with Investors in People Gold accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to our colleagues.”
Both Sainsbury’s and J Ross Developments Ltd are aware of the importance of the riverside location of the proposed store, so have made sure plans complement the setting. The store would be linked to the town centre along the riverside walkway, which would provide an attractive route into town. Combined with over 220 free car parking spaces for shoppers at the store, it is hoped this would encourage more people to shop with local traders.
Sainsbury’s will be hosting a public exhibition in the town centre later in the year, so people can find out more about the proposed store and even taste some of the produce they could buy there.
Sainsbury’s would also bring its ‘Supply Something New’ initiative to Llangollen, which helps local suppliers get their products sold at the store. Every year in Wales, Sainsbury’s sources over £100 million of products from 1,000 of the country’s suppliers.
Dobson and Crowther’s Managing Director Paul Holden commented: “This agreement with Sainsbury’s will allow us to move nearby to a purpose-built factory and in due course allow us to further develop and grow the business, perhaps leading to greater employment in the future.”
Llangollen Town Council also voted in support of both applications at their recent planning committee, showing the high level of support there is in the local community.
