Aldi reveals plans for former Remploy site to create 30 jobs

SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has revealed plans for a new store at the site of a former Remploy factory in the Valleys.

The 19,000sq ft store, which has received planning consent, will open early next year at the former Remploy factory in the centre of Porth which has been vacant since its closure in 2013.

The existing 50,000sq ft building will be demolished to make way for the new store on the 2.3-acre site, in an investment creating 30 jobs.

Michael Bruce of selling agents DLP Surveyors said: “Despite the obvious disappointment to Porth of the initial Remploy closure we are pleased that this site will be redeveloped as part of a new multi-millionpound investment scheme. The new store will complement the existing retail operations in Porth and enhance the growing reputation of the town as a shopping destination at the gateway to the Rhondda.”

Andy Thomas of Andrew Thomas Property Consultants, who represented Aldi on the site acquisition deal, said: “Having acquired the property our clients are to redevelop the site an erect a food-store with car parking.

“We have been supported in our development proposals throughout the process by the planners at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, for which the new scheme will include a new access onto the site from Cymmer Road.

“The new development will create up to 30 new jobs for the town.”

Moreover, the Co-op is to open a new convenience store in the north Wales village of Penygroes.

Its new 4,000sq ft store, replacing an existing smaller store in the Gwynedd village, will secure 20 jobs.

Work has started on the new location at the site of a disused garage and showroom, which had been owned and operated by the Povey family for more than 50 years, on Water Street.

The site has been acquired by property owner and developer Cambrian Estates, which was advised on the land acquisition deal by the Cardiff office of property advisory firm Fletcher Morgan.

The Povey family are reinvesting the proceeds from the land deal in building a new MOT facility that will be located behind the new Co-op store.

The garage and showroom are being demolished to make way for the new developments.

The supermarket chain has signed up to a new 15-year lease, with no break clause, at an annual rent of £70,000 per annum.

Fletcher Morgan has also been retained to sell on the investment in the new scheme for Cambrian Estates.