RETAIL giant Asda will be opening at a former MOD site in Christchurch, with a £1million trust to support residents and businesses in the borough.

Site owners Quantum announced the supermarket would be taking residence at their Bailey Drive site behind the retail park in Barrack Road, and is due to open in 2015.

Outline plans for a supermarket were officially given the green light by Christchurch council in June this year.

As well as a supermarket on the site, the outline scheme includes affordable housing, a health and fitness facility, children’s play park and open spaces. It will also create 300 jobs.

David Hines, CEO of Quantum Group, said: “Having Asda at Bailey Drive is fantastic news for the residents of Christchurch.

“Asda are very excited to be setting up their new supermarket, as well as playing a part in the growth of Christchurch’s economy. As one of the nation’s favourite supermarkets, we are very excited to be working with such a trusted brand.”

A detailed planning application for the site is likely to be submitted to council planners in the next few weeks.

Along with the announcement about the supermarket, Quantum also revealed a new “not-for-profit” enterprise would be launched this month.

The Christchurch Foundation Trust has been set-up to engage and work with residents and businesses to “generate new ideas, projects and investment schemes to develop areas of economic, social and environmental growth within Christchurch”.

Simon Hammond, acting chairman of the trust, said “I have spent a number of months speaking and listening to the Christchurch community.

“To be actively involved in forming The Christchurch Foundation Trust is a great privilege and opportunity for me.”

Investing £1million from deal

Thanks to their deal with the food store, Quantum Group will invest £1million in the Christchurch Foundation Trust the day Asda opens its doors to the public in 2015.

Quantum Group CEO David Hines added: “This is a very exciting time for Christchurch and our employees.

“Quantum Group’s management team has therefore decided to invest £1million from the profits of our deal with Asda.

“This will help support the trust, the Christchurch community and also recognises how proud we are of our employees’ idea.”

A website for CFT will be launched in the next week.