New supermarket signs up at Blakenhall Gardens

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

The regeneration of the Blakenhall area of Wolverhampton has taken a step closer to completion with a brand new supermarket set to arrive at a flagship development.

Developer Keepmoat has agreed a deal with S&D Supermarkets to take the largest shop unit at the Blakenhall Gardens scheme at Bromley Street.

The Blakenhall Gardens project represents a huge investment for the area by Wolverhampton City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Keepmoat. The scheme includes replacing six high-rise multi-storey tower blocks with more than 100 new homes, shops and facilities.

Work on the final phase of homes at the scheme is currently underway, and now the family-run S&D Supermarket chain has added a further boost to the project by aquiring the 11,000sq ft unit at the site.

The store will offer general grocery shopping, an off-licence and an Asian food section. A grand opening event with local dignitaries and ethnic cuisine is being planned for June.

The Dhillon family, who have run a supermarket in Handsworth since 1976, say they can’t wait to launch their second store at Blakenhall.

Company Director Suki Dhillon, 30, explained: “My father has run a supermarket since well before I was born, so I was brought up in the industry.

“I studied for my computing degree at Wolverhampton University so I know the area very well. When my brothers and I got more involved in the business I knew it would be a fantastic location to set up a shop.

“There has been a huge amount of time and investment gone into the Blakenhall Gardens regeneration and we’re delighted to be involved. We’re sure the shop will be very successful and we’re looking forward to getting to know people in the local community.”

Paul Degg, Regional Managing Director for Keepmoat, said the new supermarket was a sign of confidence in the development.

“We’re delighted that Mr Dhillon has signed up and we’re looking forward to them arriving on site,” he said.

“It’s a sign of commercial confidence in the scheme and I’m sure it will prove a huge success.

“The scheme has transformed the area in recent years and our new homes have been hugely popular, creating a thriving new community.”