Windsor: Aldi plans store alongside Wates' 450-home development
Rapidly expanding discount supermarket chain Aldi has bought part of a site occupied by British Garden Centres on Dedworth Road, Windsor from Wates Developments.
Aldi said it will soon begin discussions with the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council about redeveloping the site to create a discount community food store, before consulting with the local community on the proposed development.
Lee McCandless, property director for Aldi Stores, said: ““A new store on Dedworth Road would represent a multi-million-pound investment in the local area and would deliver increased competition, ultimately resulting in greater choice and lower prices for consumers. In addition, a new store would help to maintain employment on the site by providing up to 40 new full and part-time employment opportunities, paid at an industry leading £9.10 per hour as a minimum, above the rate of the National Living Wage.
“We look forward to engaging with the local community on our proposals for the site over the next few months prior to submitting a planning application to Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council.”
Simon Knight, director of special rojects for Wates Developments, said: “We are pleased to have been able to maintain continuous activity on the site in Windsor since we acquired it from Wyevale Garden Centres Holdings in September 2018. British Garden Centres is now the occupier of the site on a rent-free basis, with a flexible notice period which has maintained continuity of employment and occupancy.
“However, a more certain future solution is required and we believe that Aldi’s proposals for a new retail store has planning merit, will maintain local employment, and provide local consumers with an additional food store choice.
“Wates Developments remains strongly committed to the delivery of 450 much needed new homes on the remainder of the site, together with appropriate community facilities on adjacent land as part of the HA11 allocation within the submitted Local Plan.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with Officers for Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and other key stakeholders to further discuss our development proposals in the months ahead.”
Source: CoStar
