New discount food store plan for Penplas

A NEW discount food shop could soon be constructed where the former Leo’s supermarket in Penplas once stood.

Swansea Council has now agreed to sell five acres of a plot of land off Mynydd Newydd Road to a developer called The Mercian Group who have close links to a prominent discount food retailer that’s keen on seeking further representation in the city.

The development being proposed for the 11.8-acre site includes two other complementary retail units as well.

It’s also been agreed that an additional acre at the site will be reserved for the developer for three years, providing a pub and restaurant operator can be found in that timescale.

It’s hoped up to 80 new jobs could be created by the development in future as part of this significant investment into the area.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “This site, which once accommodated the former Leo’s supermarket, a pub and the Penplas district shopping centre, has now been vacant for over a decade.

“Bringing it back to use through the construction of a new discount food store, other retail units and the potential for a pub and restaurant in future will help regenerate the local community and open up jobs for local people. It will also make other council-owned land in the area a more attractive proposition for developers.

“All property in our ownership is under continuous review as we look to make best use of our land and buildings. This land sale is an example of how we can generate income to help tackle our budget deficit and protect council services while benefitting people in the communities we serve.”

The site, which once appeared on a shortlist of candidate sites for the potential additional gypsy traveller site, wasn’t among the final two recommended sites put forward at the time.