Member Article

£3m Asda development brings over 50 new jobs to Gateshead

The redevelopment of Felling town centre has reached a key milestone, as a new Asda supermarket opened today bringing with it a raft of new job opportunities for locals.

The new store, in Crowhall Lane, will provide 86 jobs altogether, 54 of which will be made up of entirely new recruits. The other 32 staff members were already employed by the supermarket giant and have transferred to the site to reduce commuting time.

Gateshead Council has worked closely with private sector developer companies Helmsley and Caddick to transform the area with a two-phase retail development.

It is the fourth retail centre regeneration scheme in Gateshead in the last five years, following the successful completion of Trinity Square, Blaydon and Birtley.

The other three centres also feature a new supermarket. In total, the four town centre retail schemes, including all retail outlets, have created or protected a total of 1,335 jobs. More than 1,000 constructions jobs were either created or protected..

Perhaps most interestingly, around 35% of new jobs created will go to people who were previously unemployed or unwaged.

Councillor Mary Foy, Gateshead Council cabinet member for economy, said: “We are delighted to support the opening of this brand new store in Felling. This is another example of a major private sector investment in Gateshead.

“It will provide new jobs, at a time when they are desperately needed, and will be a major boost to Felling for the existing and new retailers and for shoppers too.”

Foy also paid tribute to Asda’s attitude towards local recruitment.

She added: “It is hugely gratifying that around 35% of those employed at the new Felling Asda were previously unemployed.

“The Council has worked hard with its partner Jobcentre Plus to ensure that the maximum number of local people - and especially those who were unemployed, could access the opportunities and jobs provided by Asda”.