Blantyre ASDA is 40 years old today, 21st October 2020.
The supermarket opened with much anticipation in October 1980, after almost a year of construction. It was a turning point for Blantyre, replacing tenement buildings and shops most of which were no longer fit for purpose.
As staff and customers celebrate, we look back at some history.
Asquith and Dairies (ASDA) submitted plans in 1978 to open a large, new supermarket in Blantyre. A suitable site was chosen in the heart of Blantyre just off Glasgow Road, though may homes in Craig Sreet were bought by compulsory purchase order to make way for the large carpark.
Construction commenced in 1979 at a cost of £3m and a primary £2m construction contract took place in 1980 awarded to Farclough Construction Group. ASDA opened their massive supermarket new store on 21st October 1980 to some welcome reaction by most Blantyre people and Councillors. The store being 60,000 square foot, and comprising initially also of a pub, 8 shops and 450 space carparks was an instant hit and indeed Blantyre could hardly cope with the volume of traffic as shoppers from all over came to the town.
Asda has seen many changes over the years. It has developed into a huge part of Blantyre life, with lots of families choosing to shop there. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that over 4 decades, Asda has employed thousands of local people of all ages and with further development planned on the frontage of Glasgow Road, looks set to be here for years to come.
Happy Birthday Asda!
