Sainsbury’s in Rumney?
There have been many articles written in the last week with regards to the proposal of a Sainsbury’s Store in the place of the Current (empty) Carpenters Arms Pub located at Newport Road, Rumney (top road). So far there appears to be quite a bit of opposition to the proposal with more than 1,000 people signing a petition to stop the supermarket setting up in the area.
From a personal perspective (although I don’t live in Rumney) I quite like the idea of reusing the site. The store would bring more stories and as mentioned in the Wales Online article could bring more jobs about than losing them. The site isn’t big enough for a large store and would be more of a central mini supermarket, meaning they’re unlikely to offer all the products that they do at their main stores. This presents the possible opportunity for smaller local units to specialise in niche products that the Sainsbury store won’t offer. In business there’s always competition, forcing businesses to change to the environment via new products and markets, I can’t see why local businesses in Rumney can’t do the same. Although the row of shops on top road is quite popular I’m sure not everyone in the area visits on a regular basis, perhaps the supermarket would encourage people to visit that area further.
There were concerns raised in the Wales Online article about the supermarket selling alcohol up to the time of 11pm with residents concerned that this would lead to drunken behaviour. What made we laugh was that proposed site used to be a pub? Right? – and perhaps didn’t have a great reputation.
However on the other hand it’s a shame that another pub in the long line of pubs has to close as these often are the hub of communities… central meeting points for people. It’s just disappointing that someone can’t take over the pub and make a success of it.
Wales Online Article – Read here.
Cardiff East’s Response Article here.
