Finally it appears that the Mercadona supermarket chain now have planning permission to build in Arrecife, Lanzarote.
Originally the company were looking to open in the Altavista area where Ikea and Lidl are situated, the actual site which has been granted planning permission by Arrecife council is in Valterra. The supermarket building will have a construction of 1,500m2 spread over two floors, a basement and parking for 234 vehicles, the entry and exit to the car park will be situated on different streets.
Mercadona are expected to open this store in 2014, although the building license granted has a duration of two years.
Manuel Fajardo, the Mayor of Arrecife commented that “the Government group can’t help but feel satisfied. In the first place for completing a record that was already started. But also a vindication for the citizens by responding well to the day to day issues that are of concern for our residents”. The Mayor’s view is that the work could involve companies based on the island with the consequent benefits for the population and a much needed economic boost. In that sense José Montelongo is confident that Mercadona will look to to source their personnel from Arrecife.
The permission was made public yesterday, 22nd May 2013 earning the council an income of 158,000 euros for the license fee.
Mercadona first expressed an interest in opening three stores in Lanzarote back in late 2011 which were expected to open by early 2013. A statement from Mercadona in mid 2012 explained that the company had made a mistake in selecting their locations which in turn led to opening delays and that they still planned to open four stores in Lanzarote, two of which would be based in the capital, one in Puerto del Carmen and another in Playa Blanca.
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