Newport recruitment drive as Aldi store starting date lined up

Work to build a 1,745 sq metre Aldi in Newport, which would see the demolition of the former Focus DIY store in Audley Avenue, is due to start in January and could open in late summer early spring 2015.

The supermarket chain, which has contributed towards a growing squeeze on the UK's big four supermarkets, will also hold a recruitment drive for its Shropshire stores this month.

An Aldi spokesman said: "Our Newport store construction starts in January, with a view to the store opening its doors in the third quarter of next year.

"Our Newport store is seeking to recruit up to 50 members of staff from the local community, with a recruitment event being held in the town to encourage applications."

The firm is seeking stock assistants, store assistants and deputy managers to work in its stores in Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Telford and Newport.

First stage interviews will be held at a recruitment day on November 22 between 9am and 1pm at the Queens Hall Lecture Theatre at Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre. Those attending are asked to bring their CVs and a diary of availability.

The Aldi spokesman said: "Our existing Oswestry store underwent a successful extension recently, and is now significantly over trading."

This year, Telford & Wrekin councillors on the authority's planning committee gave the go ahead for the Aldi store in Newport.

It could be the first of two budget supermarkets to go up in the town after Mere Park Garden Centre owners recently resubmitted an application to build a Lidl next to their site.

In Oswestry the discount supermarket company plans to build on Shrewsbury Road on the site of a former football pitch at the entrance to the town and they hope it will create 40 new jobs.The proposed site is currently unused greenfield land and is part of Maesbury Road Industrial Estate, near to the new livestock market which will include a Morrisons supermarket.

Plans were finalised following a public consultation and Aldi has now submitted a planning application to Shropshire Council for the supermarket – its second in the town – although no opening date has yet been given by the company.

Hannah Cowking, spokeswoman for Aldi, previously said: "Aldi's proposal would deliver multi-million pound investment to the area and create up to 40 new jobs for local people, as well as additional employment during the construction phase. It would also improve local shopping choice for residents to the south of Oswestry.

"We are excited about the prospect of delivering a new store to Oswestry. Our existing store to the north of Oswestry is trading at full capacity and we are keen to offer additional choice to residents in the south of the town."

Aldi has applied for full planning permission for the shop and a large car park. The application will go planners at a later date.