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  • "The Tesco strategy is all about stopping its competitors getting hold of decent sites. They are seriously worried about the growth of Morrisons and are doing anything to stop Morrisons getting hold of plumb sites. Tesco has become far too ubiquitous - not only does it dominate the large supermarket market, but it's dominating the corner store market with its smaller Metro and Express stores. Kingston Council should be encouraging competition and choice, and be encouraging a new retailer to that site.
    As for the Broadway, it's parking controls that have have killed it off. As they have in many other neighbourhood retail streets. When will local councils learn that the whole nature of local shopping is impulsive and typically of a failry low value. If you charge people two quid to park outside a shop where they plan to spend a fiver, you don't need to be an Einstein to see what the outcome will be."
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"Tesco won't hurt Tolworth businesses'

7:00am Monday 6th August 2012 in News By Tom Barnes

Matt Magee said Tolworth Broadway was struggling Matt Magee said Tolworth Broadway was struggling

The Tesco development in Tolworth will not put small traders on the Broadway out of business, according to Matt Magee, the man with the job of convincing residents and traders to back the superstore’s new proposal to build on the old Toby Jug site.

Traders in direct competition with Tesco, such as the Best Food mini-market, fear being swallowed up by the supermarket chain, a claim denied by the corporate affairs manager who thinks the plans will boost trade.

Speaking from his offices in the heart of London, 14 miles from where his employers are hoping to build 35,000sq ft of multipurpose development, he said: “The sad truth is people are not shopping in Tolworth, which is why shops on the Broadway are struggling.

“After listening to concerns from businesses and residents the development is scaled down, which means it will be almost entirely a food supermarket.

“People will be able to come to Tolworth, park for free and, as well as doing their weekly food shop, explore the other shops in the area.

“This will make Tolworth a more desirable place to shop and encourage investment.”

Responding to claims from Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey that the site would add to traffic congestion around the A3 roundabout and along the Broadway, he said the proposal would not lead to gridlock.

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He said: “Purely from an economic point of view we would not be investing in an area where traffic would prevent people from wanting to shop.

“We cannot operate a store where no one will come.”

Mr Magee also promised the 250 jobs that will be created at the site, which will include a gym and hotel, will go to residents from Tolworth and the surrounding area.

He said: “We are in a time of recession, yet Tesco wants to invest in Tolworth – there will be new jobs, new homes, new facilities and a great place to shop for the people of Tolworth.

"“We have worked hard to make this the best possible development for everyone in the area and are confident we have got the right scheme.”

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