A NEW swimming pool, arts centre and recycling centre are just some of the community benefits Newport Town Council would like to see if a controversial new supermarket gets the go-ahead.
Councillors have begun drawing up a ‘wish list’ of things they want Sainsbury’s to contribute if given the green light to move to Station Road.
Sainsbury’s bosses met with a handful of councillors behind closed doors recently. And the firm asked them to consider how they would like to see Newport improved.
Speaking at Wednesday night’s town council meeting, councillors started to construct a list of wants.
Councillor Peter Scott said: “There’s a reality here that if the supermarket arrives in Station Road or elsewhere there will be a benefit and we must think how the people of the town would want that money spent.
“It doesn’t mean we are being a Judas. We don’t want the damn thing but if it happens we should make sure we get some money for what the residents want.”
Councillor Tim Nelson said it was about making the best of a bad situation.
He said: “It might happen, and if it does, what’s our price for us to be best friends with Sainsbury’s?
“It’s making the most of a bad situation. If it happens, how do we get the best for the residents?”
Councillors suggested major investment towards a new recycling centre to replace the current centre on Springfield Industrial Estate, which is recommended for closure. Other ideas included new football pitches, car parks and a cycle track.
Councillor Nelson added: “If we are in dialogue we have a chance to shape how things happen.
“Sainsbury’s is unlikely to fork out millions for all of our suggestions – but they can contribute in a variety of different ways.”
Councillors agreed that it was important that any money received through development agreements should be spent in Newport and not elsewhere in the borough.
Councillor Scott suggested canvassing residents to gain their opinions.
By Sean Wozencroft