MYSTERY surrounds the identity of Oswestry’s new supermarket operator after developers remained tight-lipped over bidders.
But the Advertizer can reveal that at least two of the bids expected to come to the table will be from supermarket chains already operating in the town centre.
Liberty Mercian Developments spokesman, Roger Birtles, last week refused to confirm whether any of the applicants hoping to operate the supermarket on the town’s £56million Smithfield site were already operating other supermarkets in the town.
However, Roy Jones of Oswestry Cattle Auctions, confirmed that more than one of the four applicants he says have shown a strong interest in the development do indeed already reside in Oswestry.
“I wouldn’t like to reveal the identities of the companies concerned but negotiations are presently going on with all of them,” Mr Jones said.
“We had hoped Waitrose would be coming along, but I think that is unlikely to happen now.
“We are in discussions with around four of the main supermarkets, but there will not be any announcement regarding an operator before February.
“We do, however, hope to put a spade in the ground to begin developing the livestock market this summer,” he added.
Mr Birtles revealed that one firm offer had been received for the operating rights while at least two more are expected by the end of the month.
Morrisons spokesman, James French, ruled out his employer, saying: “I can say with 99 per cent certainty that we will not be bidding for a site in Oswestry.”