SUPERMARKET giant Aldi has unveiled plans to build a new store in Keighley.
The development, if approved, will be built on the long-vacant site in East Parade.
And a second phase would see other retailers occupy units there.
Aldi says its new store would be bigger – by at least 400 square metres – than the existing Gresley Road supermarket, which would close.
Current staff will be given the chance to transfer and up to 40 new jobs are set to be created.
Aldi is launching a public consultation to gauge views ahead of a planning application being submitted to Bradford Council.
Letters have already been sent to around 4,000 residents in the area outlining the plan and seeking feedback.
A consultation drop-in event is also being staged, at Keighley Civic Centre – in North Street – on Thursday, January 16, between 3pm and 7pm.
Agent for the scheme is Planning Potential, which says the existing store is hugely popular but there is no scope for expansion at that site.
The new building would offer "an enhanced customer experience", with a full range of goods and improved facilities such as wider aisles, plus customer toilets.
An Aldi spokesman said the scheme – described by the company as a "significant investment" – would regenerate previously-developed land which has been unoccupied for some time.
He added: "We are excited about our plans to regenerate East Parade.
"We would like to hear views from members of the community prior to submitting our application."
The plan is welcomed by Keighley's town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale.
"That East Parade site has been vacant for years and it looks awful," he said.
"For anyone driving past, it doesn't give a good impression of the town at all.
"It is one of those issues that is constantly raised at meetings I attend.
"Something needs to be done and this scheme can only be for the good. It will help regenerate that area."
Paul Howard, manager of Keighley Business Improvement District (BID), said Aldi was rolling-out bigger and brighter stores across the country and the development would bring benefits.
He added: "The devil will be in the detail, but development on that site would be welcome.
"It will increase footfall and be good for other businesses in that area, East Parade and the town.
"There will of course be an empty store as a result in Gresley Road and that will need to be looked at too."
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