SUPERMARKET giant Aldi has unveiled plans to create up to 20 jobs with a new branch in Southwick.
The chain wants to build a store on the former Hahnemann Court site, in Carley Hill Road .
It is offering residents the chance to have their say on the proposals at a public exhibition next week.
“We are excited about the prospect of coming to Southwick as we are keen to offer the community a genuine choice when completing their shopping,” said a company spokesman.
“We believe there is a real need for a new discount food store in Southwick.
“There is currently no comparable discount convenience retailer in the neighbourhood, which currently leads to people travelling out of the area to meet their shopping needs.
“Delivering an Aldi at Carley Hill Road would offer a real opportunity to bridge the gap in the local market for a deep discount retailer.”
The firm says the new store would provide a modern shopping environment, with landscaping carried out to enhance the appearance of the site.
“I would like to encourage the community to come along and find out more about our proposals and meet the project team,” said the company spokesman.
“ If people have any questions in the meantime, they should call our freephone information line number.”
The Aldi plan is not the only supermarket development on the north side of the river.
Work is well under way on the Tesco store being built at Sunderland Retail Park, in Roker and a new Sainsbury’s is being built on the site of the Jennings Ford dealership in Riverside Road.
Aldi is holding a public exhibition for residents to meet the team behind its development and to find out more about the plan between 3pm and 7pm on Thursday, at the Wearmouth Colliery Welfare Sports and Social Club, (The Cricket Club), in Thompson Road.
Aldi’s free information line can be contacted on 0800 298 7040.
Twitter: @sunechobiz
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