Otley (691):Opening

Waitrose Otley was officially opened on 9th September 2004  by Mayor Jonathan Kirkland and his father, former Mayor Graham Kirkland.

As reported in The Partnership’s in-house magazine, The Gazette, Branch Manager, Mike Cooper commented that the branch had received nearly 5,000 customers; they flocked in about an hour after trading began and continued arriving thick and fast during the day.

The 20,000 sq ft branch had been transformed along the same lines as the other 12 Morrisons/Safeway conversions already completed (at that time). The store is fully equipped with new fixtures and fittings, as well as a refurbished coffee shop and 50% more lines across fresh and dry assortments.

Waitrose Otley occupies a scenic position. The branch entrance overlooks the forested slopes of the Chevin Ridge, while the dining room offers views of the attractive Wharfedale Valley leading up to the town centre. Otley itself is often visited by viewers seeking the locations seen in TV productions such as Heartbeat, Emmerdale and A Touch of Frost, but agriculture is the town’s main industry. Waitrose recognises this as the car park includes two tractor bays – the only branch to have this facility!

The car park also boasts the original head stone of the Falcon Works which used to occupy the site. The factory was the major centre for the production of printing equipment following the invention of the Wharfedale Stop—Cylinder printing machine patented by David Payne in 1858. Wharfedale’s used to print newspapers and played a significant role in developing the newspaper printing industry. Of great local historical significance, the stone is often visited by printing enthusiasts and has been refurbished by Waitrose.

Facilities currently available at Waitrose Otley include: fresh fish, cheese, delicatessen, rotisserie, patisserie, meat and bakery counters, as well as “local products” such as bacon, ice cream and cheese.

Address:60 Westgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AS