Plans to open a big-name grocery store in place of the derelict garage on Osborne Road remain shrouded in mystery, as Marks & Spencer denies any involvement.
Architect’s impression of what looks like a Simply Food store at the former Osborne Garage site, from July 2009. M&S denies involvement.
Rumours that the retail giant was planning a Simply Food store on the site have circulated since Newcastle City Council granted planning permission for a three-storey retail unit last August. But a spokesperson told JesmondLocal: “M&S currently has no plans to open a Simply Food store on Osborne Road."
Permission for the 7,661 sq ft site – which has lain derelict for years since the closure of Osborne Garage, a former car showroom and petrol filling station – was granted despite objections from local residents wary of excessive noise and congestion. These were tempered by constraints on opening hours, set from 8 am to 10pm; and deliveries, with access on Larkspur Terrace limited to vehicles less than 10 metres in length.
With permission secured for a Class A1 building – planning jargon for a shop – the path has been laid for other retailers to step in. Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are amongst those rumoured to be interested.
The owners of the site, Shepherd Offshore – part of the dynasty of former Newcastle United owner Freddy Shepherd – were unavailable for comment at the time of publishing this report.
As we continue our investigation at JesmondLocal, please let us know in the comments below if you have any information, or indeed idle gossip…
20 Responses to “M&S, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose for Jesmond?” Leave a reply ›
It is about time that Tesco’s in Jesmond had some completion as they had obliterated any completion they had.
I'm afraid the rumour about a high class food store has been around for years, but it is only a rumour. Shepherd Offshore will be looking for the tenant that can pay the most - it could be another clothes shop (Julian Blades would not be happy), a furniture store, an electical goods shop or a mobile phone dealer - anything, in fact.
Who would want to live in Jesmond? People who love their ‘village’
I am not a resident of Jesmond but i do have several friends who are. I despair at what has occurred over the last few years on Osborne Road with the turning of what once was a beautiful residential street, the easing out of legitimate businesses and now filled with brash, common, tarty 'eateries' and 'boozeries', all decked out with outlandish pots and umbrellas’, to the detriment of the few permanent residents. ’a monstrous carbuncle on the face of an old friend’ comes to mind. I say ‘few residents’ because it’s no longer a residents area but filled with a transient population of students.
It was my first thought that it was the residents to blame for allowing the almost ruination of Jesmond’s main thoroughfare but no, the local authority LET it happen and now satisfy themselves that they have now closed the door on further changes. Though i am not a resident i am frequently in Jesmond and have watched with interest the inactivity regarding the former garage so i am grateful to Fiona and Don for their comments but it would not surprise me if it became an amusement arcade or some other nightmare.
There are too many people sitting on their thumbs drawing wages and not doing anything except that. Make way for the mighty pound and the right to earn it, at Jesmonds expense.
Demolition work has started on the site of the old "Osborn Road garage". Has a tenant, been found or are they knocking it down before it falls down.
Am I mistaken, or did I not see hoardings set up over Easter Weekend with the branding of Central Bean Coffee House on them?
Hi Pete. Central Bean has taken the site that used to be home to the florist Fleurtations (full story coming soon from our business correspondent, Dan Howarth). The Osborne Garage site is on the other side of Jules B.
Update: There were some fresh rumours that university outfitters, Jack Wills, might be opening a store on the Osborne Garage site. But I've been assured by their head office, quite savagely, that is not the case.
The investigation continues...
Update #2: I've just spoken to Shepherd Offshore director, Charles Shepherd, who said he is in "advanced negotiations" with "a number of high-profile retail businesses" about taking over the Osborne Garage site. He wasn't specific about the type of retail businesses he was lining up, but did say it would be "single use".
Soo... nobody's noticed the date on this article?
I wish we were that clever, Rob!
I have first hand information from Waitrose real estate company that they are interested in the site. I think this would be a great addition to Jesmond.
Waitrose are confirmed to take site. they have bought it.
Hi Chris - how good is your intel on this?
100% true!
i cannot say more than that but is confirmed and they are on site now.
We've just heard back from a Waitrose spokesman, who said: "We certainly remain keen to increase our presence in the North East and [the Osborne Road site] is one of a number of opportunities that we are currently aware of, however, we have no announcements to make at this time".
So rumours are very much still just that at the moment...
We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, please let us know if you hear any other juicy tidbits.
Its done. check the land registry. they have bought it.
Chris -- please could you drop me a line at dan@jesmondlocal.com ? Thanks
Waitrose has confimed a convenience store in Jesmond - details below taken from their website:
Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne
We have also agreed a deal for a new convenience store in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. Situated in the thriving and much sought-after Osborne Road, the 7,500 sq ft shop will build upon the success of our existing stores in the North East. We expect to open by next summer and create up to 70 new jobs.
i told you so!
its been confirmed that i is waitrose, a leaflet came through my door from waitrose announcing it's location etc