WAITROSE LAUNCHES NEW FOOD MARKET CONCEPT

As part of the Taste of Cornwall project, top supermarket group Waitrose has launched its proposals for a 50,000 sq ft Cornish Food Hall near Falmouth that aims to promote the purchase of locally produced foods.

Developed in partnership with Cornish Farmers, the Food Hall will combine a food market promoting local produce with a new Waitrose supermarket. Other proposals for the 70-acre Taste of Cornwall site include a demonstration farm and kitchen as well as a trade hall where farmers and advisors can give consumers information and guidance on sustainable shopping. From a commercial perspective, the Taste of Cornwall project will provide local consumers with direct access to the country through its produce, as well as showcasing it to national buyers. The project, particularly the test kitchen and trade hall where local farmers will meet buyers and advisors, is likely to lead to strong supplier relations and bring more quality and choice to consumers, both locally and nationally.

Waitrose employed an innovative new method of development appraisal, called Intelligent Development Appraisal (IDA) in connection with its groundbreaking proposals for the Cornish Food Hall. Built on research undertaken by the Environment Agency and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors IDA was developed by property professionals Faulkners. It identifies the major issues of a development project, such as transport, and enables the developer to focus on the most beneficial features within the area.

Peter Faulkner, said, “The Intelligent Development Appraisal method was the perfect choice for the Cornish Food Hall project. With the experience gained on the Cornish Food Hall and other schemes Faulkners have further developed and refined the process which is now called Intelligent Consultation & Appraisal.”