A RETAIL giant has unveiled plans to fill an empty hole on Newport High Street.

Proposals have been put forward by Tesco to join together 35 and 36 Newport High Street, the former Laura Ashley store, to provide a new branch.

It would see the partial demolition of internal partitions.

Planning documents say the alterations will enable a layout and access suitable for the proposed tenants' business and the general public.

The building, as part of the block of shops on the High Street, is Grade II listed.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Laura Ashley, the clothing and home retail shop, closed in 2020, after the Covid pandemic had a significant impact on business and saw administrators appointed.

The shop has been empty ever since but could be filled by the supermarket chain which already has stores in Ryde, Wootton, Ventnor, Lake and Freshwater.

  • You can view the applications HERE and HERE.
  • Comments can be submitted until August 12.

A separate planning permission will have to be sought for the installation of signs on the outside of the building.

Tesco has been contacted for comment.