Asda pulls out of Leegate Shopping Centre plans

The Leegate Shopping Centre, which was once voted the worst in the country, will not include an ASDA after the development agreement expired and the supermarket chain decided not to renew it.

St Modwen, the developers behind the plans, now need to find a new retailer to replace the main attraction.

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Killian Morris, director at developer St Modwen, said: “Of course, it’s disappointing that Asda has decided to pull out of the regeneration of Leegate.

"However, the scheme is approved and we’ve already had a number of other leading foodstore operators approach us with interest in taking space. This interest ranges from larger foodstore formats, to smaller, more convenience-based outlets.

“This means that we’re now presented with the opportunity to look again at the proposals. We’re confident that the regeneration will go ahead and, we’ve been working on an exciting alternative plan for the site. We have consulted the community on the regeneration over a number of years and we know that local people are keen to see the centre deliver more for the local area.

"We believe our alternative plans could address a number of concerns that people had with the ASDA-anchored scheme, while transforming the site into a successful centre for Lee Green. We look forward to sharing these proposals with the local community soon.”

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The plans also include 229 homes and a pedestrian and cycle route along Carston Close, which will connect Burnt Ash Road to Leyland Road.

St Modwen also plan to build a community centre, a new pub and a gym.