News: ASDA Living launches at Parkgate Shopping

Asda Living's brand new store at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham launched last week with the mayor officially opening the store with local primary school teacher, Natalie Garbutt of High Greave Junior School, who was nominated by her pupils and fellow staff.

The 38,000 sq ft non-food store has created 81 jobs in the community and will combine George clothing, home ware and furnishings plus a cafe.

Stephen Davies, manager at the store, said: "I'd like to thank all our colleagues for their hard work getting the store ready for the opening and it has been a real pleasure sharing the celebrations with the Mayor and Mayoress, Natalie and High Greave Junior School.

"Our feet haven't touched the ground over the last few months but we are delighted to be able to welcome customers through the door now. It was extremely encouraging to see the number of people queuing to enter the store and we hope we can be a worthwhile addition to the community."

The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Shaun Wright added: "I am extremely pleased to have been invited to declare the store officially open. Asda has a long association with Rotherham and I am sure with the addition of this new store it will continue to have a positive impact in the community – creating new jobs for local people is the perfect way to start."

The latest openings include a 5,000 sq ft Maplin store and a 53,000 sq ft Currys Megastore. The a 47,000 sq ft Best Buy unit, which only opened in July is set to close by the end of the year.

Owners, British Land are also hoping to secure planning permission for a 3,500 sq ft Frankie and Benny's restaurant. Further big name retailers are preparing to move in to the park that ranked as the third best in the UK in a recent report.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: parkgateshopping.co.uk