AN ASDA superstore proposed for a run-down industrial estate in Hayes Town could create some 400 local jobs, but at what cost to local traders?
Plans to regenerate the vast Westlands 3 site in North Hyde Road, a stone's throw away from Hayes and Harlington railway station, have been released, and the developers will be holding a series of public exhibitions where residents can view the plans next week.
Hayes Town Partnership chairman David Brough said that although a supermarket south of the canal would be welcomed in principle, its potential impacts would need to be carefully considered.
"Hayes desperately needs a supermarket and other high street stores in the heart of the town centre.
"The ASDA proposal offers an exciting prospect, but the big question is whether it is in the right place.
"It will clearly benefit residents living in the south of Hayes, but the site is separated from the town by the railway and the canal, and there must be doubts whether it will draw people into the main shopping area or take trade away.
"It will create local jobs, but then there is the question of the traffic impact.
"A key factor will be the views of the public and the current traders."
Alan Daley, who has been a grocer at the Paramount Fruit stall on Botwell Lane for nearly 30 years, said that the plans could gravely affect business.
"Obviously it doesn't do me any good, but no doubt it is going to go through anyway, and there is not a lot I or anyone else can do about it.
"It is a nice store and it will be good for the town, but from my point of view it could be the final nail in the coffin. I will still have my regulars, but it is that age old scenario of the big chains coming in and hoovering up our customers."
The land is owned by the British Steel Pension Fund (BSPF), and in December work began on tearing down the existing units on the site, which had been vacant since 2009 and fallen into a state of disrepair.
Throughout the 1960s, the premises were used for the manufacture of helicopters.
In addition to the Asda Megastore, part of the site has been allocated for new warehouse and office space. Prospective tenants are already being sought.
Nearly 300 full-time job roles at the supermarket will open up, with a further 100 at the commercial units, and Asda have stated their intention to work with Jobcentre Plus to recruit local people.
Residents in Hayes Town are currently served by a Tesco nearly 2 kilometres away in Hayes Road, Hounslow, and Sainsbury's in Coldharbour Lane, and it is hoped that the store will become a 'retail anchor' for the town.
Do you think this would be a blessing for the area? Are you a resident concerned by the proposals? Email jackgriffith@trinitysouth.co.uk with your views
Exhibition dates - see page 2
January 20: 11am to 6pm
Foyer of Uxbridge College, Hayes Campus, College Way, Coldharbour Lane, Hayes
January 21, 10am to 7pm
Hayes and Harlington Community Centre, Albert Road, Hayes
January 22: 10am to 2pm
Botwell Parish Hall, Botwell Lane, Hayes
