6 days Ago
A Brighton MP hopes to keep a supermarket dream alive amid “serious doubt” for the project’s future. Chris Ward, MP for Brighton, Kemptown and Peacehaven, has launched a petition calling for Morrisons to honour plans to open a new supermarket in the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven. Mr Ward has said that Morrisons have confirmed to him that the business case for the development is now under full review, with no confirmed timetable for building works or for updated planning proposals to be submitted.
He added that he believes the review is expected to conclude in July 2025. Describing the project as "in serious doubt", Mr Ward said: “I’m optimistic about Peacehaven’s future — Morrisons should be too. Peacehaven has been without a major supermarket since January 2024 and Morrisons has repeatedly promised residents a new store and a regenerated Meridian Centre.
“Frankly, Morrisons have a social responsibility to make good on their promises – and people have waited long enough.” MP Chris Ward (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus) He added: “This is the number one local issue I’m contacted about, so further delays are very disappointing. I’ve been pushing on this since day one, and I will continue to hold Morrisons to account on behalf of local residents.
" The MP expressed his backing for the store to become a reality and hopes the petition will demonstrate this feeling amongst residents. The petition can be found on Chris' website. Morrisons first revealed its plans in 2021, and works were expected to begin in early 2024 after Lewes District Council approved plans in April 2023.
However, since then no progress has been made, and no further update has been provided. The new Morrisons is set to be at the heart of a project to rejuvenate the “dated” Meridian Centre with a new “vibrant” town centre which will include a range of commercial, retail and community facilities. In a previous statement in March, Morrisons said: "The development has taken a number of years to come forward.
"Due to rising construction costs over that time and changes in market demand on the retail units proposed, we are working on a revised proposal that meets the demand and needs of our prospective customers and allows us to deliver a new viable town centre for Peacehaven." Morrisons has been approached for comment..
