A SUPERSTORE has finally been chosen for the historical Cattle Market site in Abergavenny.

While Monmouthshire County Council has kept tight-lipped on the outcome of its recent discussions a Chronicle source revealed on Monday that Morrisons was the preferred developer for the site.

Monmouthshire County Council and press officers for the superstore giant have now confirmed that the store will be built in the centre with the operator chosen over Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.

Steve Greenslade, the MCC's project director said, "There was huge interest from all the major superstore operators in the site, demonstrating their belief in Abergavenny and the need for a store in the central shopping area.

"We are looking forward to working with Morrisons to deliver a high quality Superstore for the benefit of the town and surrounding areas."

A Morrisons spokesperson said, "We have been selected as the preferred developer for the site in Abergavenny."

In November 2007 MCC embarked on a design competition for the re-development of the Cattle Market site. MCC invited five leading firms of architects from all around the UK to submit designs after the original plan was rejected by the planning committee.

Cabinet member and councillor Bob Greenland has always fought for a store arguing that it would boost the local economy and regenerate the town.

For several years the move has brought dispute to residents and traders in town. The superstore decision even sparked several local campaign groups to fight to retain the Cattle Market sight.

Chairman of Abergavenny Development Forum, David Haswell said that 'on balance', Morrisons coming to town was "good news."

He said, "Putting aside any positive feelings about retaining the Cattle Market on it's current site in Abergavenny, then the choice of Morrisons is on balance good news for the town.

"Unlike Asda and Tesco they would not present a predatory threat to the high street traders, and they have a positive reputation for fresh food at affordable prices.

"On the down side most Morrisons sites are out of town, or on the edge, so their experience of designing to fit a town centre conservation area may be limited and the scoring matrix employed by MCC to select the winner attributed only seven percent of the marks to layout and design.

"Without pre-judging the Morrisons proposals we must hope that, unlike Henry Boot and Asda, they come to Abergavenny in a spirit of cooperation, prepared to show flexibility, sensitivity and imagination. Our early discussions with a representative from Morrisons suggest a promising understanding of these issues. Morrisons claim to have a good reputation on public consultation and this rare attribute in a developer is to be welcomed.

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