Plans have been revealed for a new designer shopping outlet on the outskirts of Hereford.
The outlet will be located just off the A49 at Grafton, at the junction with the Rotherwas Access Road.
Featuring hundreds of shops and restaurants, and a park and ride service into Hereford, it’s expected to attract huge numbers of visitors every year.
Its flagship store will be the UK’s largest Poundland, with its flagship restaurant being the UK’s largest Toby Carvery.
Residents in Hereford have waited for years for Toby Carvery to come to the city, so it’s hoped that the confirmation that the restaurant chain will be part of Rotherwas Gateway, will help the application get past the planning stage.
The designer outlet will feature free parking, with a cinema on site. Lidl are also planning to build a supermarket on the site, due to concerns that they still won’t have enough retail space in the city with stores at Belmont and in the city centre.
It’s hoped that the addition of Rotherwas Gateway will stop local shoppers heading to alternatives such as Gloucester Quays.
Local resident Noah Lott commented on the news:
“This is great news for Hereford. For years we have wanted a Toby Carvery and it’s finally happening. I can’t wait to visit!”
Local resident Dusty Carr added:
“I’m pleased to see that there is a large car wash added to the plans. The queues at IMO on Newtown Road the moment the sun shines are ridiculous!”
Local councillor Jack Pott said:
“It feels like we’ve won the lottery with this project. It will transform this area of Herefordshire and we’ll have visitors from all over the UK.”
However, one local resident Joe Kerr wasn’t too happy with the plans:
“What about local businesses in the city centre? Surely they should get free parking? We don’t need Toby Carvery, the meat is awful and I will remain loyal to the Bunch of Carrots forever!”
Perhaps Joe should’ve checked the date before taking things too seriously … 😉
