A MAJOR milestone has been reached over £13 million plans to transform the old Tesco site in the heart of Cirencester.

Applicant Churchill Living has put forward proposals to demolish the vacant Tesco Superstore in Farrell Close and build a new four-storey retirement complex. 

The supermarket closed down in April last year - with a nearby Tesco Express store opening in its place in Cricklade Street.

Plans - which were submitted to Cotswold District Council on August 21 - include creating 69 retirement apartments with communal facilities, car parking and landscaping.

The scheme also includes building three separate shop units in Farrell Close, which Churchill officials say could ‘revitalise’ that area of the town centre.

It is understood the units could be used for either retail, cafe, restaurant or as an office space.

According to the application, the proposed development includes creating 43 one-bedroom flats and 26 two-bedroom flats for people over the age 60. 

The site would also have a communal lounge, a garden area, a guest suite, a video entry system and solar panels on the roof. 

In addition, 20 parking spaces for residents of the complex would be created plus an area for eight mobility scooters.

Officials say the apartments have been designed to help older people remain independent, safe, secure and sociable for as long as possible.

It is believed around 90 people would move into the site. 

The application states the proposed complex could save the NHS £314,000 per annum.

An artist's impression of the proposed retirement complex - view of the site facing the Brewery Court car park (Image: Churchill Living)

An artist's impression of the proposed site from Brewery Court  (Image: Churchill Living) Meanwhile, officials believe the new residents could spend around £534,000 per annum in local shops and services. 

According to the application, the estimated total construction cost is £13 million.

The application also reveals before the site was bought by Churchill Living in May this year, estate agents approached a number of different brands to buy the site.

According to planning documents, the Range, TK Maxx, B&M and self-storage occupiers were all approached, however, no offer was ‘forthcoming’. 

It comes after plans for the retirement complex were revealed by the Standard in April this year.

Churchill - which was founded in 1998 -  specialises in building retirement accommodation and has more than 170 developments nationwide - including a new site in Cheltenham. 

A Churchill Living spokesperson said: “After consulting with local people, we are pleased to have now submitted a formal planning application for the regeneration of the vacant Tesco site in Cirencester. 

“Our plans will create 69 apartments for the over 60s, as well as 239 square metres of commercial space ideal for shops that will open onto Brewery Court, helping to revitalise this part of the town centre. 
 
“By providing much needed housing for the over 60s, our plans will enable people to move into the heart of town where they can continue to live independently, supporting shops and services and actively contributing to the community. 

“Giving older people the option to downsize will also help to free up larger family homes in the area, and in turn help first time buyers onto the ladder.”
 
You can view the application quoting 24/02429/FUL or see here - tinyurl.com/mrx268nn

The old Tesco in Farrell Close closed in April last year (Image: Newsquest)