Asda plans new Downpatrick store as floods mean permanent closure of former store
Asda has confirmed they will build a new supermarket in Downpatrick, after the closure of their store in the town following the flooding at the end of October.
The retailer said they have plans to open a temporary store in the town on 31st January next year, subject to planning permission.
Downpatrick was one of the towns and cities across Northern Ireland which was severely affected by the flooding following heavy rain, with dozens of businesses badly damaged.
As store owners and staff were coming to terms with and assessing the damage, Asda revealed that its store in the town was significantly impacted, with structural damage discovered in the days after.
They said that they will continue to work with the landlord to deliver a longer-term solution. In the meantime, a 14,000 sq ft temporary store which will include all core grocery departments and offers for customers and colleagues will open.
If planning permission is granted, the temporary store will be operational for 18 to 24 months, whilst work continues on the permanent store.
Asda has continued to support the local community since the store had to be closed by operating a click and collect service from its Portadown store and has increased the number of home delivery slots available in the local area.
Click and collect parcels for George are also now available to collect from the Downpatrick car park, and a community bus service will continue to transport customers from Downpatrick to Portadown store twice daily until Monday 1st January 2024.
Ciara Smith, GSM at the Downpatrick store said: “We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support and understanding over the last few weeks as we navigate these changes.
“We’re really pleased to be able to share this update for plans for the store and are really excited about getting back to serving the local community.”
