Tesco faces shop storm

Nicola Dowling

April 25, 2008

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PLANS by Tesco to occupy an empty shop in Manchester's Northern Quarter have sparked a row in one of the city's liveliest neighbourhoods.

Tesco has expressed an interest in the former Christopher Wray lighting shop on the corner of High Street and Church Street, near Afflecks.

But the plan has ignited debate over whether the supermarket should be allowed to move into an area renowned for its bohemian bars, individual traders, quirky clothes and art shops.

Those against it argue that there are two other Tesco stores within just a few minutes' walk from the High Street premises and that it will have a detrimental impact on the area renowned for its independent traders.

Coun Pat Karney has invited Tesco boss Sir Terence Leahy to come to the city to discuss the plan and possible alternative city centre sites for the supermarket chain.

He also invited local residents on a site visit to the empty shop and is urging them to make their views known to the council before a decision is taken on the application next month.

He claims there are other areas of the city centre towards Castlefield and Liverpool Road which are more in need of a supermarket.

Northern Quarter resident Phil Burke who attended the site visit said he was in favour of the Tesco bid.

He said: "Having a Tesco would be much better than having it empty."

Mokshapriya,the manager of the Earth Café in Turner Street said the possible arrival of Tesco was `awful news'.

He said: "The shop itself wouldn't affect us but as an ethical café we avoid them as a supplier because we don't believe in what they do."

Tesco would not comment on the plan.

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DaveMCR, Manchester (25/04/2008 at 08:48)

He said: "The shop itself wouldn't affect us but as an ethical café we avoid them as a supplier because we don't believe in what they do"

Oh do one mate. Another pop at a great British business success story here. I suppose if this Ethical Cafe took off, made billions and had a multi-national string of shops things would be different.

Empty buidling or business... hmm.

alvinlwh (25/04/2008 at 09:23)

The shop is lying empty falling to bits and they do not want someone there? Typical! Tesco, and anyother business with a brain should just forget the city centre and let the place fall to bits!

Mike S, Manchester (25/04/2008 at 09:29)

That's just the point though, if Tesco and other large supermarkets did "do one" back to the outskirts, we'd still have butchers, greengrocers and, more importantly, choice!

citycentre, manchester (25/04/2008 at 10:06)

wouldn't have thought there was any need for a tesco there, with one already being on market street; must be a whole 3 minutes walk away.

probably see off the new arndale market though

daniel james (25/04/2008 at 10:42)

will everyone stop moaning at tescos, if they were that bad no one would shop there - but everyone does shop there - people can choose with thier wallet. just another case of nimbies moaning. let tescos take the unit - if they do take it it migh make the market street store a little less congested.

Connor Fitzgerald (25/04/2008 at 11:57)

An 'ethical cafe'?

Very right on!

Tescos is a triumph, good products, good prices and convenient! It caters for all, from the low income to higher end produce. I wonder if minimum wage earners can afford anything in these small, niches, ethical cafes?

Further to this, residents in the Northern Quarter will welcome Tesco 1 pound chikens, when they realise they were taken to cleaners for 250K for a property that’s worth about 50p in the current climate!

Miss M, Manchester (25/04/2008 at 13:18)

If you want a Tesco in the City Centre walk down Market Street, why waste the Northern Quarter area with building a wacking great Tesco, when all you have to do up talk a walk round the corner and get your shopping there? Madness!!!

Whistle_Blower, Oldham (25/04/2008 at 14:09)

its a very fair point - why does anyone need THREE Tescos with half a mile?
There is the big one on Market St and the express store just off the gardens. Why have another. People should not be so lazy as to avoid walking such a short distance.
And I support the argument that the Northern Quarter is known for being individual and unique, and the last thing it needs is for Tesco to invade and suck the character out of the area (wouldnt mind a small M&S though!)

Bigfish (25/04/2008 at 14:13)

Miss M – They don’t have to build the Tesco – the building is already there! With the influx of city centre residents, more supermarkets are needed.
The Northern Quarter isn’t as individual as it seem to think it is

Bigfish (25/04/2008 at 14:30)

"Northern Quarter is known for being individual and unique, and the last thing it needs is for Tesco to invade and suck the character out of the area (wouldnt mind a small M&S though!)"

That's just typical of NQ fans, especially the bit about M&S. The NQ seems to pride itself on being 'individual'- but it isn't anymore!

The amount of traffic in the Tesco on Market Strret is stupid. It's only going to get worse as more and more people move to the city centre. Living in a city is all about convenience.

ace, manchester (25/04/2008 at 14:33)

Bigfish
Im in full agreement with you the more people who move into the city centre needs shops.

jomov, Manchester (25/04/2008 at 14:42)

There is definately another need for another tesco...you only have to pay a visit to the one in Market street to find that out, it's heaving!

As for the location of the proposed site..it's hardly in the heart of the Northern Quarter is it!

Bigfish (25/04/2008 at 14:43)

Well said Ace – Let Tesco open their new store – let’s see how it does. If people vote with their feet and don’t use the shop – it will have to close down. But I’m certain it will get used, especially by all the NQ residents who are so against it. And the reason it’ll get used – CONVENIENCE! Most city centre residents don’t have cars as it’s not practical, so they can’t drive to the huge supermarkets at Sports City etc.

City Centre residents (inc myself) can’t do a full shop in the Tesco Metro (or whatever it’s called) near Picc Gardens – It’s geared to city centre workers, for lunch etc. The Tesco on Market Street is good – A full shop can just about be done there. But it’s far, far too busy.

The Rt Hon Dr Rev MC Spanner MP QC FCA FRICS JP OK (25/04/2008 at 16:36)

"Coun Pat Karney has invited Tesco boss Sir Terence Leahy"

Why would a Captain of British industry waste his time visiting some publicity hungry prole?

The Council are greedy and when they realise that they will be paid rates for the site, they will come bag to Tesco with the begging bowl out?

Openshaw Bob (25/04/2008 at 18:16)

I would get rid off Afflecks (glue sniffing types) and would put up an Asda to serve the city centre residents.

We should b eproud of Tesco as it is one of the most succesful businesses ever to come out of this country. Most people who don't want this store are jealous.

Ed_Manchester, Manchester (26/04/2008 at 00:41)

After all the doom and gloom about the C charge and drivers bypassing the City Centre why do we need car parks? Why not get rid of the one next to Afflecks and build a huge Tesco there?

DAVID GREENWOOD (26/04/2008 at 10:08)

Ms. Dowling is ill informed as Christopher Wray is still obviously open for business.
What a shame she couldn't walk across town to find this out. Can we trust anything that our newspapers tell us?

alvinlwh (26/04/2008 at 13:42)

I agree, a Tesco is more useful than the filthy Afflecks.

freelunch, sale (26/04/2008 at 22:10)

Tescos are boring, enuf said.

Bluegate, Manchester (29/04/2008 at 12:04)

It was very interesting to note the Councellor stating he had invited Tesco to visit the city and perhaps look at alternative sites for the store.

A liquor licensing notice has just recently been posted in the windows of this shop, which contrary to the MEN article is not empty and still trading. News from nearby shop keepers also confirm that Tesco has been paying half the lease on the Christopher Wray shop for some months now. So it is clear this is already a done deal and local voices have never been of interest to the city council.

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