A new Aldi store will be based at Westwood Gateway Retail Park when work to convert to units previously occupied by Sports Direct, Maplin and Bathstore has been completed.
The multi-million pound new store will mean the creation of up to 50 jobs.
In an application to Thanet council last year it said: “The reuse of established retail floorspace will make efficient use of the site and result in a high-quality and sustainable modern foodstore facility to serve the local area.
“The development represents a multi-million pound investment by Aldi at a time when the retail sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges and will result in the positive reoccupation of a proportion of vacant retail floorspace and associated economic benefits for the area.
Permission was granted by Thanet council for a relaxation of historic comparison goods restrictions to allow unrestricted sale of food and non food retail goods.
Works at the site include extension to west elevation to create new delivery/servicing pod; external alterations including new glazed entrance/exit lobby and canopy, new shopfront glazing and recladding; provision of trolley bay; alterations to car parking layout; relocation of cycle parking and provision of external plant enclosure and bin store.
Planning documents state: “The new Aldi foodstore and conversion of the existing three retail units at Westwood Gateway Retail Park, aims to provide a foodstore that is situated in a prime location in Westwood Thanet.
“The development, which is easily accessible to local people and has good transport links, and pedestrian access. The foodstore will help provide an additional choice for local people to shop for food and provide additional choice and selection in brands and products and much needed employment opportunities.”
In submitted planning documents it says the 18,438 sqft store is earmarked to open this year. Construction is currently taking place but planning documents said Aldi wants “to progress towards a planned store opening in 2022.”
ALDI first entered the UK market in 1990 and currently have over 700 trading stores nationwide.
The former Argos store at the retail park is also under offer.
