Supermarket giant Tesco has been granted planning permission to build a 20,000 sq ft store in England’s smallest town, Manningtree in Essex.
The store has been designed to fit in with the local architecture.
Plans for the supermarket, on the site of the town’s former RailEx lorry depot, were approved this week by Tendring district council.
The Accord Architecture-designed property aims to reflect the nautical flavour of the town, with the red brick and glazed frontage designed to look like sail boats passing on the River Stour. Other traditional materials, indigenous to the area, include stained timber and a slate roof.
As part of the section 106 agreement, Tesco has offered to provide funding for an independent retail expert who will offer advice for retailers on how to improve their business plans and increase profits.
The supermarket will also provide funds that the council can allocate to improve shop frontages.
As well as improvements to the local high street, Tesco has agreed to invest millions of pounds on upgrading the links between the store and the town centre.
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
