Reaction to Aldi plans
BUSINESS leaders in Hinckley have welcomed the proposals for an Aldi supermarket in Holliers Walk.
Steve Wegerif, director of Hinckley BID, said it was “another great asset and brand” to have in the town.
He added: “It will balance against The Crescent and bring more people back to the centre of town.
“Apart from anything else, it will make take a scruffy piece of land and make it look very smart.
“Businesses in New Buildings have been very supportive of the proposals.
“We really hope people vote for it.”
Aldi said some 40 jobs are expected to be created from the multi-million pound scheme, which would be developed on brownfield land off Hollier’s Walk in the town cen- tre.
Councillor Mike Hall, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), said: “This area of Hinckley has been in need of regeneration for many years, and it’s pleasing to see that Aldi is now keen on submitting a planning application.
“The fact that another major retailer is interested in coming to the town centre shows the strength of the town as a shopping and leisure destination.
“All of the hard work that HBBC has been doing to support more events and our close working with the Town Centre Partnership, is continuing to make further improvements possible.”
Aldi released an impression of what the new store would look like as it invited the community to a public exhibition outlining the plans.
Representatives will be on hand on August 23 at the Pathways Centre, Hinckley Baptist Church between 3pm and 7pm.
The discount supermarket chain hopes the new store will reduce pressure on its Watling Street store.
High-quality landscaping is planned to ensure it contributes to the area’s appearance.
Residents can find out more about the plans by visiting www.aldiconsultation.co.uk/hinckley, calling the Freephone information line on 0800 298 7040, or sending an email to a member of the team on feedback@consultation-online.co.uk A FORMER director of GR Bodycote Ltd has been in touch to explain more about the land Aldi is planning to build on.
David Prior wrote in to say GR Bodycote Ltd ceased manufacturing underwear in 2007 and the company was liquidated in 2008 with the factory being demolished in 2009.
He explained the company was founded by George Bodycote in 1923. His only son, Arthur did not join the company until the late 1940s. While the company was part of a larger textile group in the 1960s, GR Bodycote Ltd was subject to a management buyout in the 1970s and soon became a private family owned company, which it remained until 2008.
Mr Prior also pointed out that only half the area being proposed for the Aldi scheme is former GR Bodycote land. The other half is the former Starward Fabrics land owned by Davenport Knitwear.
We apologise for any confusion our article may have caused last week.