Aldi store plan could bring 40 jobs to Welshpool

Discount food retailer Aldi is preparing a proposal for a new food store in Welshpool on Mill Lane, adjacent to the Smithfield Bell public house.

The firm said it was "excited" about the prospect of the multi-million pound scheme.

Last week Aldi held a public exhibition at Welshpool Scout Headquarters for residents to meet the project team, find out more about the proposal, and provide their feedback on the preliminary plans.

A spokesperson for Aldi said their plans were "well-received" with more than 100 members of the public in attendance, and 94 per cent of those positively responded in favour of the store.

He said: "We are excited about the prospect of delivering an Aldi store in Welshpool.

"We believe the proposal represents a great opportunity to create local jobs and generate millions of pounds worth of investment into the local economy.

"If built, the new store will provide a greater shopping choice for local residents in Welshpool.

"The proposals will also deliver economic investment to the area and create up to 40 jobs for local people, as well as additional jobs during construction and supply chain opportunities.

"The proposed store has been carefully designed to ensure it sits comfortably within the site and positively contributes to the appearance of the area which includes both residential and retail properties."

The spokesman said an addition of an Aldi store to the town will complement other retailers in the area.

He added: "Unlike other retailers, Aldi has a unique offering and does not act as a one-stop shop.

"Aldi stores do not have a butcher, fishmonger or bakery, nor do they provide crèche facilities or sell, for example, tobacco. Instead, Aldi is known for encouraging linked trips between its stores and other local businesses, encouraging residents to complete their shopping at other local shops, adding to the vitality and viability of the local area."

Welshpool town councillor Graham Breeze, who praised the firm's exhibition, said: "Like many other interested residents I went along to the exhibition and have to say how impressed I was by the professionalism of the team behind the scheme.

"If you remember, it isn't long since Lidl had plans rejected for a supermarket on the same site. Aldi bosses seem to have addressed all the issues which both Welshpool Town Council and Powys County Council raised in objecting to the Lidl scheme and unless I'm missing something pretty big there seems no reason why this scheme will not go through unopposed."

A planning application is yet to be lodged with Powys County Council.