CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a Tesco on Hope Street will not go ahead, the Daily Post can reveal.

The supermarket giant withdrew its plans for an Express branch of the store last night, in the face of growing public concern that it was not in keeping with the historic street and conservation area.

It has confirmed that it will not submit any further planning applications on Hope Street, after talks with businesses, residents and councillors of the area revealed the strength of feeling.

Tesco corporate affairs manager, Michael Kissman, said last night that the company remained committed to investing in Liverpool and the Merseyside region.

He said: “We’ve had some constructive discussions with local people and we recognise the unique place Hope Street holds in the cultural heart of Liverpool.

“Our designs needed amending to be more in keeping with the conservation area, so we have decided to look for an alternative site.”

He added that Tesco plans to create more than 500 jobs in the city over the next two years.

In recent months, it has opened several new branches of various sizes in the city centre.

The turnaround came as welcome news to the many protesters who had opposed the plans – with many left impressed with Tesco’s stance and acknowledging its more positive aspects, most of all its role as a major employer in the region.

Cllr Berni Turner, who helped lead a Facebook campaign which attracted more than 4,000 supporters, said she was “absolutely ecstatic” to hear plans had come to a halt.