Aldi plans for Amble welcomed by councillors after 'work behind the scenes'
Senior councillors have welcomed the prospect of a new Aldi store in Amble.
Supermarket bosses wants to develop a vacant brownfield site north east of the A1068 and intend to submit a planning application later this year.
Cllr Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “I am delighted to see this.
“I suggested Aldi approach Advance to talk about this site last year. It’s a logical addition to Amble to add choice for local shoppers in an already established town retail park.”
Northumberland Labour leader Cllr Scott Dickinson, who represents the nearby Druridge Bay ward, added: “It’s great to see Aldi coming to Amble.
“Over recent months, some people laughed at me for taking the time to meet with Aldi’s investment team, complete surveys, and work with them to make the case for investing in Amble.
“Well, this announcement shows why it’s always worth engaging with businesses that are looking to invest in our communities. This is fantastic news for Amble and the wider area – bringing new jobs, more choice for local people, and further confidence in our local economy.
“I’m delighted to have played a small part in helping make the case. Sometimes the work that happens behind the scenes isn’t always visible, but seeing positive results like this makes it worthwhile.”
The new store would replace one of the unbuilt retail units that gained planning consent in 2019 as part of the Morrisons store and petrol station development.
It would create 40 new, full-time equivalent jobs paid at an industry-leading rate of £13.50 per hour, with hiring targeted at the local community.
Helen Simms, real estate director for Aldi, previously said: “We’re delighted to announce our plans for a new food store in Amble.
“This site is well placed to bring Aldi’s award-winning, high-quality and affordable grocery offering to the town, while making productive use of a key development site. We believe the proposal will provide greater choice for local shoppers and deliver investment for the area.
“We would encourage local residents and stakeholders to share their views on the plans, and we look forward to working closely with the community to deliver a new Aldi store for Amble.”
The nearest Aldi store is in Alnwick, nine miles away.