A PLOT of land earmarked for a new supermarket looks unrecognisable as work to prepare it continues.
Demolition crews moved onto the site on Europa Boulevard in Gemini over recent weeks 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.
Work continues to demolish the former Arnold Clark garage and build a new Aldi store
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.
All that remains of the old building is steel framing, with glass windows and grey and yellow cladding being removed.
Plans for the new store were officially submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department in April.
Work continues to demolish the former Arnold Clark garage and build a new Aldi store
These plans were rubber stamped by the council in September, with the first 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.
Work continues to demolish the former Arnold Clark garage and build a new Aldi store
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.
There would also be further employment opportunities during construction and via the supply chain.
Work continues to demolish the former Arnold Clark garage and build a new Aldi store
It is hoped that the new store will be ready to open by September next 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.
Work continues to demolish the former Arnold Clark garage and build a new Aldi store
“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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