Feb 28 2013 by Ian Hughes, Flintshire Chronicle
MOLD’S former ambulance station could make way for a new food store.
A planning application from Farmfoods has been submitted for the demolition of the building on Lead Mills.
The retailer hopes to create a ‘modern local grocery store’ – which will save jobs from Farmfoods’ existing premises owned by Sainsbury’s on Chester Road and create up to 15 new roles, both full and part- time.
CPLC Associates confirmed the company is planning a redevelopment of the Lead Mills site. Although a spokesperson was unwilling to comment further before approval.
The ambulance station was put on sale by Welsh Ambulances NHS Trust earlier this year for £450,000. That followed a controversial decision to move services to a new £2.7m central depot in Dobshill.
Farmfoods opened its existing store in Mold in 1992. Two years ago the centre was acquired by Sainsbury’s so the supermarket chain could redevelop it for its own use.
When the store’s lease reached expiry, Sainsbury’s declined to renew it and Farmfoods was only able to secure a short-term extension.
It is hoped work on the Lead Mills site will be complete before the store on Chester Road is demolished.
Farmfoods’ representatives have been in discussion with Flintshire County Council. As a result it has requested Farmfoods consider creating a pedestrian links with the neighbouring Aldi car park.
In 2011, councillors welcomed the news Sainsbury’s was looking to develop in Mold.
Business owners and members of the public saw the decision as a ‘vote of confidence’ in the town, likely to increase the amount of visitors.
Jo Hawley, development surveyor for Sainsbury’s said: “We remain committed to developing a store in Mold. We have recently had further discussions with Flintshire Council with a view to beginning a public consultation programme in the coming months ahead of submitting a planning application for a new Sainsbury’s foodstore.”
A decision is expected by April 10.