Blakeridge Mill plans could keep the shoppers in Batley
MAJOR INVESTMENT: Arist's impression of the planned development of Blakeridge Mills.
Plans for a new supermarket at the Blakeridge Mills site will ensure people spend their money in Batley.
That’s according to Richard Binks, managing director of Binks Vertical and owner of the former mill complex.
Last week the News revealed the multi-million pound regeneration planned for the site, including a new supermarket, petrol station and 181 apartments.
The scheme, planned by Binks Developments Limited, will invest in Batley while preserving the mills’ history, Mr Binks said.
“If we want to save these mills it’s the only way because we can’t go on any further now,” he said.
“The best thing about what we’re doing is that by the time we have done these mills there will be 500 people living in the town, and spending their money in the town.”
Mr Binks said the supermarket would be a £20m scheme that could create a substantial number of jobs.
“We have got experts who have done a retail impact assessment,” he said.
“I know there could be a couple of hundred new jobs at least.” In response to people’s concerns about another supermarket moving into Batley, Mr Binks said the retail impact assessment supported the plans.
“It means more of the spending of Batley people would be kept in Batley, and more people will be coming into the town.”
The plans have also been backed by Batley West councillor Peter O’Neill (Lab).
He said: “I have just heard about it, but my first impression is that I’m in favour of it really, because that area’s been an eye sore for a long, long time.
“That sort of investment in the area, bringing in new jobs, has got to be a good thing for Batley.”
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Weather for Batley
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
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Wind direction: West
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