THE redevelopment of a former JCB factory has taken a giant leap forward with news that Waitrose is planning a new store on part of the site creating up to 180 jobs.
JCB has agreed in principle to sell approximately two acres of the 22-acre site in Uttoxeter to enable the retailer to open the store, subject to being granted final detailed planning consent.
It is planned that the new 30,000 sq ft supermarket could open in time for Christmas 2015.
JCB chairman Lord Bamford said: "The proposed Waitrose store is a major step forward in the redevelopment of the former JCB Heavy Products site.
"It will act as a catalyst for the implementation of the wider development which will include a park and housing.
"It is, and always has been, my intention that this development leaves a legacy to Uttoxeter, given my family's long association with the town.
"While recent economic circumstances mean it has taken longer to advance than I would have liked, I'm delighted that the scheme is now moving forward."
The new store would be built on stilts with car parking underneath. There would also be surface level car parking at the rear.
Waitrose director of development Nigel Keen said: "It's a great opportunity for two of the UK's most established businesses to work alongside each other and revitalise such an important site, with so much history in the town."
