‘TURBULENCE’ in the supermarket sector has forced developers of a multi-million pound Asda food store scheme to go back to the drawing board.

Quantum, which has permission to build the Asda food store at Bailey Drive, in Christchurch, confirmed they are revising their plans for the riverside site due to Asda ‘rethinking’ their future store size.

The Bournemouth-based developers were officially granted outline permission for the scheme, which includes a large food store, affordable housing, new bridge and ferry access, in June 2013.

In September last year, Quantum’s chief executive David Hines said they expected to submit their detailed planning application for the former MOD site to Christchurch council ‘very shortly’.

But now, nearly four months later, the developers are revising the initial design to include a smaller store.

Mr Hines said: “We are still in discussions with ASDA, but it is likely that the initial design will be revised.

“Plans will now include a smaller store, but we are still committed to going ahead with the Bailey Bridge development, and to providing a beautiful waterfront development, open market housing, affordable homes, and leisure and commercial space. “The reason for the change is as a result of turbulence in the current supermarket sector.

“This has resulted in ASDA rethinking their future store size strategy. As with large retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons they are competing on price with stores like Lidl and Aldi, and also face challenges with changes in the way that consumers are shopping.

“Much of the direction is away from the traditional large store format – with a focus on smaller outlets, and an increase in ‘click and collect’ services.

“Our plans will retain all the community benefits we pledged to deliver to the local community – such as the affordable homes, footbridge, children’s play park, ferry service to the Quay, improvement to the riverfront and public open space, with picnic areas.

“Whilst this has regrettably caused delays, we are working quickly to ensure that the development goes ahead as soon as possible.”