Aldi 'fully committed' to new retail park in Keighley

The company this week issued the reassurance to townspeople amid concerns that the derelict East Parade site earmarked for the development still stands untouched.

Aldi was given permission for a new supermarket, to replace its current Gresley Road outlet, in January last year.

The site of the proposed Aldi development in Keighley

But five months ago the retailer revealed it was proposing a revised scheme.

And a new planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council.

In addition to the new store, Aldi is seeking approval for retail units facing onto East Parade and a drive-through coffee shop.

Vehicular access for customers into and out of the site will be via an existing modified point from Gresley Road, as in the previously-approved application.

There will be more than 260 customer parking spaces, including 15 for blue badge holders and seven parent and toddler bays, four electric vehicle charge points – with scope for a further 20 in the future – two motorcycle bays plus cycle hoops.

The re-designed Aldi site in Keighley

Aldi says the development will "future-proof" the jobs of staff at the existing store, through relocation to the new site, and that employment will be created during the construction stage.

A company spokesperson said this week: "Aldi remains fully committed to the delivery of the wider retail park.

"The revised plans include reworked and improved pedestrian linkages and connectivity with the town centre and larger retail pods along the principal frontage following the revised location within the site of the new, modern Aldi store.

"The use of natural stone and glazing to ensure the proposals are contemporary – but also sympathetic to its surroundings – remains integral to our plans.

"The existing site is well-known locally and I would like to thank the community for its ongoing support and patience whilst planning discussions draw to an end.

"This much-needed redevelopment will improve the range and choice of the retail offer within this area, lead to visual improvements, create jobs for local people and bring the vacant site back into active use.

"The principle of the site’s redevelopment to include a new Aldi store continues to be supported and is already accepted by the council.

"The revisions to the scheme will ensure the delivery of this key redevelopment opportunity, with aspirations to start work on the site as soon as possible after a planning decision."