CATALOGUE giants Argos could join Tesco on the new multi-million pound development in Welshpool, it has been confirmed.
The first phase of the development - which is rapidly taking place on the Old Smithfield site - will include four high street names as well as the supermarket chain.
And Argos are the first company to publicly confirm an interest in moving to the site - but both Peacocks and Halfords have dismissed suggestions they are also looking at the out-of-town retail park.
“The area holds some interest for us,” said Argos spokesperson Denise Bigwood.
“Our interest is very tentative at the moment and no formal offer has been made but we can confirm the area does hold some interest.”
Meanwhile, clothing retailer Peacocks and Halfords, the UK’s leading retailer in the car maintenance and leisure market, have told the County Times they have no plans to open a store in Welshpool.
Sara Leung, the PR co-ordinator for Halfords, said: “We have no plans to open a new store in the Welshpool area within the near future.”
While Alice Miskin, a spokesperson for Peacocks, said: “We have no confirmation about a store opening at this point.”
News of Argos showing an interest in the Welshpool development has been welcomed by Cllr Russell George, prospective Assembly candidate for Montgomeryshire, but he has also stressed the importance of them maintaining a presence in Newtown.
He said: “I have written to Argos to ask them to confirm if they will be coming to Welshpool and also to reaffirm their commitment to their Newtown site. I believe it is crucial to attract high street names to both Newtown and Welshpool.”
In the meantime an official spokesperson for Tesco has confirmed they are holding negotiations with a “number of companies” but no deals have yet been finalised.
Sophie Akokhia, of Tesco, told the County Times: “If people want to report on speculation then they can do so but we are not in a position to announce anything until a deal is signed, sealed and delivered.
“At the moment we are in discussion with a number of companies, but not one of them has signed a contract to let one of the units.
“When we have some definite news I can assure you the County Times will be the first to know.”
Ms Akokhia was also unable to confirm whether or not Tesco would be able to open in time for Christmas - as planned.
A hold-up in the proposed one-way road system could see the opening of the store being delayed until mid-February.
Other retail giants who have confirmed they will not be moving to the out-of-town development include Matalan and Currys.
Long-standing Welshpool firm, Mark’s Auto’s, have also denied rumours they are leaving their Church Street home in favour of a premises on the new development.