Aldi announce plans for new multi-million pound store in Oldbury

It will be built on vacant land, near the Ramada Hotel and opposite the existing Asda superstore off Wolverhampton Road.

Bosses say the scheme will transform the disused site which is also a short distance from Oldbury Retail Park.

Store bosses have announced a consultation event on Friday (September 5) to showcase details of the proposed development.

A planning application will then by submitted to Sandwell Council at a later date once feedback has been reviewed

The firm said up to 40 full-time and part-time positions will be created if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

The firm is also sending letters to more than 2,500 households and businesses in the surrounding area to get people's views on the scheme.

Oldbury ward councillor Susan Downing said she supported the creation of new jobs in the borough and was looking forward to seeing the new proposals in more detail.

"I think this has been in the pipeline for a while, there were rumours 18 months ago but nothing ever came of it.

"Any business which is looking to create new jobs is good news and I whole-heartedly welcome it," she added.

A spokesman for Aldi said: "The proposals seek to transform this disused area of land with a multi-million pound development, including a contemporary designed food store to serve the local community.

"We believe the site in Wolverhampton Road is an excellent opportunity to offer the local community an improved choice when completing their shopping as well as increasing competition for the existing retailers in the area.

"The proposed store would create up to 40 new full and part-time jobs which would be aimed at local people.

"However, before we move forward and look to submit a planning application to Sandwell Council, we are eager to understand the views of the local community and ensure their comments can be taken into consideration.

"We look forward to welcoming people to our public exhibition."

The development would include a 115-space car park, including disabled and parent and child spaces, bosses said.

The consultation event will run from 3pm until 7pm on Friday at the St John Ambulance Tom Gough Centre, Birchfield Lane, Oldbury. People can also register their views by calling a freephone information line on 0800 2987040.