The construction of Whitehill & Bordon’s new supermarket will begin later this month, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has confirmed.
In a statement approved on Friday, Robert Smith, Head of Major Disposals at the DIO, which owns the land, said that work has been carrying on behind the scenes to ready the site for development and that the construction company will move in by the end of August.
The DIO said:
“Over the last couple of months significant work has progressed to finalise the estate management agreements and company that will look after the areas of land, community and open spaces and public realm within the town centre.
“While I understand this has not been a visible component of the town centre, it has been important to scope it and align it with the future occupiers planned and that it can be sustained. Sainsbury’s has been party to these discussions.
“In terms of physical works on site, I have now received the works order to commence the groundworks and foundations for the food store and car park. Mildren Construction will be on site towards the end of August to start these. There has been some additional work on the design and some mechanical and electrical adjustments but these are now largely all agreed and so we can now start the works.
“Thereafter the steels for the main structure of the food store will arrive in the Autumn and we will then see the new Sainsbury food store start to take shape and become visible to the community.
“Legal matters relating to the transfer of land to WBRC including obligations to build and complete the works are also well advanced and to ensure hand over of the completed store to Sainsbury’s by late summer next year can be secured.”
Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for the Whitehill & Bordon Area, requested an update on the project as chair of the recent Strategy Board meeting.
He said: “It is great to hear the DIO confirm that physical work will shortly begin on the new Sainsbury’s in Whitehill & Bordon.
“Residents have been waiting with great anticipation for the work on this exciting project to commence. It will be an important addition to the town centre and another important step forward. My thanks goes to all those who have helped bring this to fruition."
The Sainsbury’s supermarket will have a sales floor covering 16,000sq ft and will create around 100 new jobs. It will feature an in-store click & collect, including the full range that Sainsbury's, Argos, Habitat and Tu Clothing have to offer.