Information from Tesco - Melanie Chiswell

Hello, I’m Melanie Chiswell (not Chisholm as stated elsewhere on this site) from Tesco, and I’d like to explain what has been going on since we acquired the Seaton regeneration site from Liatris late last year.


You will be aware that Hollybush Hotels had freely entered into an agreement to sell to Liatris some years ago, and that arrangement remained in place when Tesco bought the site. Hollybush were offered and decided to continue operations for 12 months.


As you will all be aware from public statements, we have moved to make the site safe and to improve its appearance. Much of that work has already been carried out.


What is less noticeable is that we have been conducting a programme of very detailed environmental assessments on the site, and we need the results from these assessments before we can complete our detailed proposals. We have also been holding discussions with other stakeholders including the management of Seaton Tramway and the Visitor Centre. We have been in touch with Seaton Town Council, and have arranged a meeting with them for Wednesday 26 March


We fully understand the frustration that it is taking a long time for residents to see any tangible progress towards regeneration, but it is important that we do our best to make sure we produce the best possible revised proposal for Seaton – one that addresses all the concerns and issues raised previously with Liatris, and latterly with ourselves.

This regeneration will bring significant and lasting benefits to the town and its residents, including new employment opportunities, with 250 or more new jobs being created by the new store alone, attractive shopping facilities, and affordable housing. Tesco is in discussions with the council to make sure that the most appropriate uses for the site, including possible tourist accommodation developments, are fully explored.

With regard to nursery provision we are very happy to consider re-providing this service as part of the scheme in conjunction with private operators.

We are working with East Devon District Council to ensure that facilities on the regeneration site match those required by the local community.

Regeneration will make Seaton a far more vibrant resort, and increasingly attractive to potential inward investment. It will also create more opportunities for the town's retail traders and tourism service providers.

We will be arranging a public consultation when we have developed our proposals, hopefully in May, and we will look forward to sharing our plans with, and listening to the concerns and suggestions of, as many residents as are able to attend.