Permission has been granted to demolish the Aldi store in Cliftonville and build an improved, larger store with more parking spaces.
Thanet council gave approval last week for the planning application from the food chain. Aldi says the current building is dated, having first opened in 1998, and is smaller than up-to-date store requirements.
In the application Aldi says redevelopment will mean the continued presence in Zion Place, off Northdown Road, and the safeguarding of 50 local jobs.
The discount retailer previously extended the store in 2013 but says larger aisles, more tills and increased display space are now needed.
The redevelopment will also include 97 parking spaces, five of which will be for staff, including 10 parent and child spaces. This is an increase of 12 spaces on those currently provided.
Other sites were considered for relocation, including the former Primark and Woolworth buildings in the High Street but Aldi said remaining in Northdown Road was the preferred option.
The statement adds: “The proposals represent a significant, multi-million pound investment which will retain Aldi’s in Margate, maintaining the economic contribution of the site and retaining local jobs, while improving retail choice and competition locally.”
The current timing for the store closure and timescale for the redevelopment has not yet been released.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are pleased our Zion Place store in Margate has been granted planning permission. We will update the community on our plans to start the work, and timings for completion, in due course.”
