Supermarket plan replaces city store

Supermarket chain Aldi is proposing to replace its existing store on Glasgow Road in Perth with a new premises on the outskirts of the city.

Aldi bosses say after trading successfully in Perth for years from both their city centre and Inveralmond stores, they now require more space.

The German-based multinational chain is eyeing a plot of land on the corner of Necessity Brae and Low Road for a new store and hopes to be open to the public by October 2022.

The site which is currently vacant, bordering allotments and cottages, would be adjacent to both the Cherrybank Inn and recently built houses at Kinmond Drive.

By moving a mile southwest from its c u rrent Whitefriars Retail Park site, the company says it can create more jobs and provide more goods, while keeping deliveries down to no more than two shipments per day.

Neighbours had pamphlets posted through their doors this week, explaining what the store could look like and the supermarket’s planners h av e begun collecting feedback online.

Aldi property director Philip Johnston said the new development could create up to 35 local jobs, bolstered by new jobs during construction and within the Aldi supply chain.

The existing employees at the Glasgow Road store would all be retained.

Mr Johnston said: “This marks an exciting time as we bring forward plans to relocate our Glasgow Road store to a new, larger, purpose-built location at Necessity Brae.

“Perth is a key area of growth for Aldi and I am delighted to be able to present our plans to the local community as we seek to e xpand our awardwinning offer in the city.

“Our current store is simply too small and no longer fit for purpose, with the proposed new site allowing us the opportunity to increase our product range and provide further job opportunities.”

If Aldi is given the goahead to construct the timber-clad building, a new junction on Necessity Brae would be constructed to allow access to the shop’s 100-space car park.

The company said it would ideally have held a public exhibition on the proposals but will be collecting feedback until January 22.

Residents can quiz the sup e rma rke t ’ s management at an online question and answer session on Januar y 19 between 6–8pm.

The proposals are at an early stage and no planning application has been submitted to council planners at this stage.

EXPANSION: An artist’s impression of the Aldi store planned for Perth which would replace the Glasgow Road branch.

The Necessity Brae plot gives room for a larger store.