BREAKING NEWS: Midhurst Waitrose plans fall through

The plans drawn up for a Waitrose in Midhurst

Chichester District Council has announced it is putting the Bepton Road site, the former Grange Leisure Centre, back on the market after its sale to Kimberley Developments fell through.

Kimberley Developments exchanged contracts with the council in January 2015 and had a partnership with Waitrose.

Cabinet member for commercial services Cllr Gillian Keegan, said ‘no-one could have foreseen this’.

“We are incredibly disappointed the sale of the site has fallen through.

“Our priority is that we achieve best value for our taxpayers and so we are looking to actively remarket the site in the new year.

“The site offers a tremendous opportunity for commercial use.

“Those who have previously bid for the site will also be welcome to make offers, along with other interested parties. All offers will be considered.

“We know residents will be disappointed by this news.

“We have worked incredibly hard to try and make this deal work. In the end, it was not in the interests of our taxpayers and so we have a duty to bring the site back to market.”

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