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Iceland is returning to St Martin's Precinct in Caversham
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Store’s return to create new jobs

By Paul Robins
April 16, 2009

Iceland is returning to Caversham after a three-year break from the town.

The supermarket giant is moving back into the former Marks & Spencer store in

St Martin’s Precinct, which it previously occupied.

Preparations are being made to fit out the former Simply Food shop, which will cater for the needs of residents and hungry workers from nearby businesses.

The store will create a number of jobs.

Iceland, which left the precinct in the beginning of 2006, already operates outlets in Crockhamwell Road in Woodley, The Square in Lower Earley and Weldale Street in Reading town centre.

The chain recently snapped up 51 Woolworths stores – not including the Reading branch – in addition to a number of M&S sites.

Spokeswoman Pauline Begley said the investment is part of a UK expansion programme, which is due to create around 2,500 jobs.

She said: “We can confirm that Iceland is due to open a new store in the former M&S site in Caversham in October.

“However this date is still to be confirmed.”

M&S closed last month in a bid to cut costs after just three years trading in the precinct.

Hundreds of shoppers backed a petition launched by Conservative ward councillors to keep the shop open but it proved fruitless.

Staff were either moved to other M&S outlets or made redundant.

Ward councillor Andrew Cumpsty, who spearheaded the campaign, described Iceland’s return as “welcome news”.

“I am delighted such a large retailer like Iceland is coming, and coming back to Caversham, as it was here before,” he said.

“Obviously having a major retailer at that anchor site of St Martin’s Precinct is most welcome and should help bring more attention to the shops in the centre.

“It is a different sort of offering to Waitrose so it ensures a good mix of shops remains.

“When M&S closed I had three concerns; to see an important retailer come in – Iceland fulfills that; to keep the centre of the village thriving – Iceland does that; and it means new jobs in Caversham as well.

“So it is really good news.

“I’m thrilled.”

The news follows the opening of café-bar Alto Lounge in Church Street last week.

Cllr Cumpsty said: “To have new businesses opening up in Caversham is extremely encouraging news during what are testing economic times.”

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Yes at last its coming back it should never have been taken away in the first place...i for one will be down there getting my shopping, not just for the great prices they offer but you always get friendly service in there too. Perhaps DM should take a look at the recent adverts, not a KK in site only Jason Donovan and Colleen Nolan...i for one don't think of KK when i shop in there. i thought M & S brought nothing much to Caversham just less business for the local businesses there. Perhaps some people should realise there are a mixture of different classes in Caversham not just the ones that can afford to shop in waitroses and M & S but those on a more honest weekly budget. Fantastic news can't wait for it to open now

jenj, caversham
17/04/2009 at 20:26

This is great news. Although i don't shop that often in Iceland, it's great to see that once again Caversham can cater for everyones pocket. This is an important step for the Caversham as a trading village. It has to have a range of stores combining price, goods, image and a mix of local traders and multi-nationals. Having the right mix means that areas like Caversham will survive and continue to draw in potential customers. Well done Iceland for the sensible decision to return!

Dan, Reading
17/04/2009 at 09:56

It's your choice. You can buy your frozen peas from Waitrose for three times the price if you perceive them as being better. Personally I do not understand why an over-priced supermarket is not struggling more in these times of hardship. True that Marks and Spencer had a kudos that was beneficial to the area, but Iceland is much more practical and means that Caversham can cater for two different markets.

Poldrieve, Caversham
16/04/2009 at 22:35

DM, it depends who you are talking about. Am sure, right now, families in that area ( right down to the "middle classes") will welcome a good value for money store like Iceland. yes M&S was nice but only as a treat for many people in the area. There is always the one in town for that odd treat..

Troy
16/04/2009 at 19:40

I'm glad it's not going to remain empty, but it's a shame it's Iceland coming back isn't it. M&S had really improved the tone of the area, and now it's going to be all Kerry Katona again.