THE first supermarket to open in Waterford city, Besco is set to return to its former glory with the announcement that a large national supermarket chain is to move into the vacant Ballybricken premises and create 25 new jobs.

Besco first opened its doors in 1963 and was well ahead of the trend of modern supermarkets offering cut price deals to its customers. In 1972 Besco sold 2lbs of sugar for 10p and a 5lb bag of potatoes for 13p among other offers.

However, a fire took hold in the iconic building approximately seven years ago resulting in the closure of Besco/Londis as it was then known. The building has remained vacant since.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star Sales negotiator with Manor Properties, Gareth McCarthy, confirmed that the former supermarket is to rise from the ashes as a long-term lease for the building has been agreed with a large national supermarket chain.

Mr McCarthy remained tight-lipped as to the identity of the supermarket operator, but confirmed it is not Marks and Spencer and added that the chain could be already operating in the city.

Read the full report in this week’s Waterford News & Star