It will more than double the size of the Tice forecourt store – currently SPAR – to occupy the whole of the frontage of the petrol forecourt. The popular garage has occupied this prominent corner site since 1964 and before then in East Street.
Tice’s original SPAR forecourt store was opened in 1996 and has gone from strength to strength, with redevelopment taking place in 2003 and again in 2007.
It will be business as usual for the forecourt, servicing and sales operations during the improvements. At the same time, the workshops will be getting a facelift with a new automated test lane MOT bay, new workshop lifts and all the latest equipment.
Managing director Malcolm Tice said: “Budgens ideally suits our expansion needs and we think if offers the town an excellent convenience range of food.
“There will be a large fresh food selection – including local produce - and a wide enough range to buy all you need to cook a range of meals.
“It will be especially easy for people from the outlying areas to drive to the edge of town, park for free, and enjoy a quick food shopping experience.”
The new Budgens store will be open seven days a weeks from 7am to 10pm, and will have improved free parking bays.
www.tice.co.uk Photography by Phil Dowding
