New supermarket to bring jobs and growth to Roman Road

A new Tesco Metro was welcomed to Roman Road in Bow on Thursday by residents and the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, following an announcement that 31% of the new jobs have been secured by local long-term unemployed residents.
Mayor John Biggs cut the ribbon to open Roman Road’s new supermarket at 12.30pm during an opening ceremony which was also attended by local charitable and voluntary organisations.
The 80 new jobs Tesco has created will predominantly go to local residents. In addition, the regeneration partnership between Tesco and Jobcentre Plus will see a third of the jobs going to long-term unemployed local residents, who have been offered these positions following the completion of a course.
Store manager Thomas Andrews said “I’m absolutely delighted to be here and look forward to providing the best service possible to Bow residents and getting involved in the local community. I’m pleased we’ve been able to set aside a substantial proportion of new jobs for local unemployed people as part of our Regeneration Partnership.”
As part of their Tesco Bow Community Fund, the company will also be donating £3,000 amongst six shortlisted local charities which are:  Lower Regents Canal Coalition, Arbour Youth Club, Stepney City Farm, AbilityBow, The Ragged School Museum and the 2nd East London Scouts. Residents will be able to vote for the charity they think should receive a donation and the top three charities with the most votes will be awarded £1,000 each.
A Tesco-supported East End-themed party is also taking place, including market stalls, local supplier food and drink samples, a face painter and music from the East London Arts & Music School along with a special appearance by a Pearly King.
The council has been working hard with local partners to ensure that Roman Road got a supermarket. The new Tesco will complement the range of shops and market stalls as well as increase footfall to the area. Through the Roman Road regeneration programme the council will work with local residents, traders and businesses to continue to improve the town centre.
Mayor John Biggs said, “I’m pleased to welcome a new supermarket to the borough, as it clearly shows Tower Hamlets is open for business. The Tesco will stimulate jobs and growth and help ensure that there are a decent and accessible range of shopping options for local residents.”
Cllr Joshua Peck, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and local ward councillor said “’Since Morrisons closed almost a decade ago, Bow residents have suffered from not having a local supermarket. When no one else was interested, Tesco saw the potential of the Roman Road and I’m delighted to welcome them to the Roman. It’ll make a daily difference to local people and the increased footfall will support the market and shops here’.”