Supermarket looking to take over former Southampton whole foods store

Rice Up in the Hanover Building was forced to close last September after facing skyrocketing energy bills.

At the height of the crisis, the store's monthly electricity bills rose from £700 to £2,300 a month. 

READ MORE: Southampton's Rice Up forced to close after soaring energy prices

Rice Up in Hanover Buildings (Image: Newsquest)

Now, a licencing application has been submitted by Carlotta Massai, unveiling plans to open a new business in the vacant unit. 

Tani Market is a medium-sized supermarket selling fresh meat and other groceries such as fruit and vegetables. 

The application is open for consultation. 

If approved, the store will also be able to sell alcohol.

READ MORE: Southampton food shop Rice Up hit with monthly electricity bills of £2,300

Tani Market is looking to take over the premises formerly occupied by Rice Up (Image: Newsquest)

In the licencing application, the applicant said: "Tani Market is a new, medium-sized supermarket premise that will provide fresh meat, meat products, and grocery products to the public.

"Alcohol products will be sold for consumption off the premises only.

"The alcohol products will be displayed on the shelves behind the counter and in the display fridges located by the counter.

"Every supply of alcohol will be made by a personal licence holder or authorised by a personal licence holder.

"The premise will implement the "Challenge 25 policy," and the relevant notices will be on display at all times." 

READ MORE: Award-winning restaurant opens new premisesNew plans submitted for a new supermarket in Southampton (Image: Southampton City Council)

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To prevent 'public nuisance', the applicant has promised to take measures to respect the needs of residents. 

The application states: "Prominent, clear, and legible notices shall be displayed at all public exits from the premises, requesting customers respect the needs of local residents and leave the premises and area quietly.

"These notices shall be positioned at eye level and in a location where those leaving the premises can read them. " 

The applicant has also expressed plans to install CCTV on the premises.

The cameras will also cover the front and rear exit outer areas, and the records will be retained for a minimum of 31 days and made available upon police request. 

The store will be open throughout the week from 8am until 10.30pm.

The application was submitted to Southampton City Council on Thursday, May 25.