New Aldi could create 30 jobs on supermarket site left empty by ‘store wars’

PROPOSALS for a new supermarket in Washington have been unveiled – just months after a long-running planning battle between rival chains ended in both ditching plans to open stores in the town.
Former Amstrong House building is to be turned into a Aldi supermarketFormer Amstrong House building is to be turned into a Aldi supermarket
Former Amstrong House building is to be turned into a Aldi supermarket

A new Aldi food store proposed for the site of the former Armstrong House office building, on the Armstrong Industrial Estate, could create up to 30 permanent jobs, if given the go-ahead by Sunderland City Council planners.

Earlier this year, supermarket giant Morrisons was forced to drop its bid to redevelop the site after a losing a two-year planning battle with rival Tesco, only for Tesco to then abandon its proposals for a new store at Peel Retail Park.

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However, property development company Jomast is now hoping to succeed where Morrisons failed and secure consent to demolish the 1970s eyesore.

Graham Wilson, development director for the firm, said: “The proposals that we have put forward will bring an important site back into use, provide a much-enhanced retail provision to residents and create many new employment opportunities for the local community.”

Public consultation on the plans starts today and Jomast hopes to submit a planning application next month. Today, members of the public are invited to see its proposals and offer opinions at an open event at the Albany Centre, in Albany, from 2pm to 7pm. Representatives from both Jomast and Aldi will be present.