Richmond's first Aldi supermarket is a step closer to opening after the council received signage plans for the new store at Kew Retail Park. The discount chain will replace the former Sports Direct unit, with the development expected to create around 40 new jobs.
Approved Plans and New Signage
Richmond Council approved a change of use for the empty unit earlier this year, allowing Aldi to move into the retail park off Mortlake Road in Kew. The council has now received the signage plans, which are due to be decided shortly.
Penny Moss, from agent Avison Young, told the council's planning committee in January that the new Aldi will provide "healthy and affordable food for the local community". She said: "The application proposes the reuse of an existing building and will introduce a new retailer to this part of the borough. As well as providing access to healthy and affordable food, the proposed development will create around 40 new jobs."
Expansion of M&S Foodhall
At the same meeting, the council approved plans for the M&S Foodhall at the retail park to nearly triple in size, from 743 to 1,876 square metres. This will be achieved by internally reorganising the store to allow for the extension while keeping the same footprint.
Planning documents noted that the new Aldi store would give residents a "greater choice of options for undertaking main and top-up food shopping trips which is currently limited in this part of the borough".
Strategic Expansion by Aldi
Aldi identified Richmond as a priority location for a new supermarket in March 2024, as part of its long-term target to expand its UK footprint to 1,500 stores. More details on the planned opening date for the new Aldi will be revealed in due course.
