A CONSULTATION is to be held over a new centre with a large supermarket planned for Eldene as part of a £10m project.

Swindon Council has entered an agreement with supermarket chain Morrisons, which would build the centre on the former site of Dorcan House, in Dorcan Way, which is privately owned.

Morrisons is holding a public consultation on the project at Eldene Community Centre on Friday between 10am and 5pm, and on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

Members of the development team and representatives of Morrisons will be at the exhibition to explain the proposal and answer questions.

Council leader Rod Bluh, who used to represent Dorcan, said: “I’m delighted it’s going forward. As a Dorcan councillor it was an aim of mine in the eight years since I became one. It was obvious in 2004 that the centre needed to be replaced. I’m thrilled we’re moving forward on that and I see it as a really positive proposal for the Eldene and Liden area.”

Under the new development, which will be subject to planning permission, the council would lift a covenant restricting the use of the land for offices only to allow Morrisons to build a 25,000sqft supermarket and associated car park.

The scheme, which would create about 250 jobs, would also include three smaller shop units on the site.

The tenants at the existing parade of shops, with the exception of the Co-op, would be given first refusal to relocate.

There was originally supposed to be a fuel station, but Morrisons says the site is not big enough to accommodate it.

The scheme would also involve the creation of an additional arm from the Hindle and Dorcan Way roundabout for customer access, plus new pedestrian crossings on Dorcan Way and Eldene Drive.

After planning permission is gained and the new centre is built, the existing shopping parade, which is owned by Swindon Council, would be demolished and the council would work up plans for the site.

David Bevan, of Morrisons, said: “The first response to our proposal has been very encouraging. I hope lots of local people will come along and see the plans for themselves. Before we submit a planning application, we want to hear the views of local people.

“We are very excited about this site and look forward to bringing a new Morrisons store, investment, jobs and replacement Eldene centre to fruition.

“This is a major opportunity for the area.”

John Byrnes, 69, of Blackstone Avenue, Eldene, said: “Morrisons are good shops. It’s going to knock a hole in the Co-op because the Co-op has been there a long time, so that will go.

“I use Morrisons out at Haydon Wick, so it will be good to have one in my own area.”