Aldi store to open in £50m Hednesford upgrade

Supermarket Aldi is to open a new supermarket as part of the £50 million upgrade of Hednesford, it has been confirmed today.

The project will also include a 165-space car park on Chase Gateway, it has been revealed. A total of 121 spaces will be short-stay for shoppers and the remaining 44 managed by Cannock Chase Council for long-stay parking.

Aldi's announcement comes after Costa Coffee, Pets Corner and Lloyds Pharmacy revealed they will open stores at the nearby Victoria Shopping Park, which is set to open for Christmas.

Mark Watkins, from developers St Modwen, said: "This latest deal is another example of the great attraction that our transformation of Hednesford town centre holds for leading retailers."

Tony Baines, managing director of buying for Aldi Stores UK, added: "Aldi is looking forward to welcoming shoppers to the new store in Hednesford when it is completed next year as well as creating jobs for local people."

Councillor Diane Todd, Cannock Chase Council's town centre regeneration leader, welcomed the news. She said: "The regeneration of Hednesford town centre is going from strength to strength as high-profile names continue to sign up."

Construction began on the 10-acre regeneration project for Hednesford town centre in April after developer St Modwen was granted planning approval.

Chase Gateway is St Modwen's first phase of the comprehensive town centre scheme and includes the redevelopment of an area fronting Market Street, Rugeley Road and Victoria Street and the delivery of a purpose-built building for Hednesford Bingo and new retail units.

Victoria Shopping Park includes the construction of an 80,000 sq ft Tesco superstore, 10,000 sq ft community facility, a 640-space car park and bus stops.