CONSTRUCTION work is now underway at the site of a new supermarket being built in the town.

Diggers are working on the foundations of a new Aldi store on Europa Boulevard in Gemini.

The plot of land looks unrecognisable from its former self as work on the construction project continues.

Demolition crews moved onto the site in November to knock down the former Arnold Clark dealership.

The business announced its intention to vacate its old site in January 2020, and it has since moved across the road into the former Toys’R’Us unit.

In its place, a new Aldi store will be constructed, with the business stating that there is a need and desire for it in the town – despite there already being four in Stockton Heath, the town centre, Birchwood and Orford.

Construction work has started to build a new Aldi store in Gemini

Construction work has started to build a new Aldi store in Gemini

The former car dealership structure has now been fully demolished, with work to lay the foundations of the supermarket well underway.

Plans for the new store were officially submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department in April last year.

These plans were rubber stamped by the council in September, with the second stage of the process to regenerate the land now beginning.

The scheme proposes 125 car parking spaces, nine parent and child spaces, eight disabled spaces, 14 cycle spaces, four electric vehicle charging spaces and six motorcycle spaces.

Aldi previously said that the proposal would create up to 40 new full and part-time jobs at the store alone – which will be paid at an ‘industry-leading’ rate of £10.10 per hour as a minimum.

Construction work has started to build a new Aldi store in Gemini

Construction work has started to build a new Aldi store in Gemini

There would also be further employment opportunities during construction and via the supply chain.

It is hoped that the new store will be ready to open by September this year.

Speaking about why it wanted to open another store in the town, an Aldi spokesman said: “Aldi is thrilled with the popularity of its stores in the local area.

“However, with its closest store to the proposal site on Winwick Road accommodating more and more customers, Aldi shoppers are experiencing longer waiting times and a busy store.

“The approval of its application for Gemini Retail Park will allow Aldi to transform the shopping experience for the local community, provide greater choice and regenerate a vacant brownfield site.”

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