New store will bring benefits to Whitchurch, Aldi bosses say
Bosses behind plans for a new out-of-town supermarket said the store will provide a wide range of benefits for the town.
A planning application has been submitted to build the Aldi store off Wrexham Road in Whitchurch, which is currently out for consultation.
George Brown, property director for Aldi, attended a meeting of Whitchurch Town Council on Thursday evening to give an update on the plans.
He gave examples of how a new Aldi store, which opened up on the outskirts of Newport in August 2015, has contributed to Newport town centre and local traders.
The proposed Whitchurch store, which would create up to 40 jobs, has already received objections from local residents, councillors and the Canal and Rivers Trust.
Last month bosses behind the Lidl store in Whitchurch town centre said a new Aldi supermarket off Wrexham Road could put them out of business.
Mr Brown said: "We were pleased to have met with Whitchurch Town Council last night to discuss the support we can provide to the council and town centre traders should our plans for a new food store on Wrexham Road be approved.
"We are keen to provide a package that is suitable for the town as a whole, and will continue to liaise with the council in relation this.
"As a retailer, we understand the importance of ensuring that the local high streets around our stores remain active and vibrant, and we are keen to support projects in Whitchurch that would see this remain the case, as well as establish a vital link between our store and local shops.”
Aldi has now announced it will provide a free shopper bus to enhance the accessibility of its proposed food store.
The service, which would provide access to and from the store and the town centre, via the town’s residential areas, would run every Wednesday and Friday.
Its purpose is to encourage linked trips between town centre shops and the store, providing the local community with a convenient way to access the retail offer in Whitchurch.
Bosses have also said they will be providing a financial contribution to support Whitchurch's town centre team for physical improvements, public realm works and/or promote town centre events
A new community notice board will be put up at the store which promotes town centre events and signage from the canal to the town centre will also be put up.
Residents with any questions about the application are invited to can call Aldi’s Freephone information line on 0800 085 7040, or visit the dedicated project website at www.aldiwhitchurch.co.uk.
