A battle between rival supermarket giants for developments in Birmingham city centre could be settled next week when the planning committee meets to consider one of the proposals.
The two planning applications, currently being considered by the city council, were the latest salvo in a six-year dispute over superstores on either side of Bristol Street.
Developer Crest Nicholson, in partnership with Lee Bank housing association Optima, wants to build a 27-storey apartment block underpinned by a major store on the Park Central site.
It is hoping to win a three-year extension of the planning permission it has held since an inquiry found in its favour in 2008.
Asda has been closely linked with the scheme, but is now one of several retail chains in contact with the developer over the store.
Tesco has now hit back with a renewed planning application for the derelict Monaco House site opposite, claiming that the delays on the Crest Nicholson scheme show it is not viable and is unlikely to be built.
A planning department source told the Birmingham Post that if both schemes were to be approved, neither may be built as the prospect of direct competition on the other side of the dual carriageway would make the development untenable, leaving both sites blighted.
Crest Nicholson director Chris Tinker is optimistic that, after years of delay, Park Central can now be completed.
He said: “It has been regrettable that the credit crunch has delayed the delivery of this last and important phase of the Park Central development.
“However, with over 1,000 apartments and houses already completed, sales progressing well and strong interest from retailers, we now look forward to delivering this final and most exciting phase of the Park Central development.”
He added that the proposals delivering the superstore and shops, called The Retail Quarter, has been the long-term ambition of residents and the partners and dismissed Tesco’s late bid.
“The comparative merits of the Park Central and Tesco schemes were considered by the planning inspector three years ago and the Park Central scheme was consented.
