New Aldi to be built in Dudley

Land is being considered on Bilston Street for a new store where Dudley Council buildings were knocked down in November.

Ward councillors have welcomed the move, saying it will help boost trade and eliminate anti-social-behaviour.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are always considering new locations for stores across the UK, including in Sedgley.

"Once we have confirmed a location we will update the local community.”

The proposed new store, which would create new jobs in the area, would be the latest to open in Sedgley.

Offices

In August, the town welcomed a new Asda, which opened on the former site of the Co-Op. The proposed site for Aldi is located on land off Bilston Street, between Goulds TV store and Bilston Street car park. It used to house former council offices used for its housing department. The eight staff were moved and the buildings demolished under council cost-cutting.

But the closed-off area was the target of anti-social-behaviour including arson, said Sedgley ward councillor Tina Westwood. The site has been given an ‘option to buy’ status, meaning interested parties can submit a bid for the land.

Councillor Westwood could not not confirm that Aldi was looking at the site because business discussions are ongoing, but she said that a supermarket is looking to set up there. She said: “No planning application has been submitted but a supermarket is looking at the site.

“The site has gone an option to purchase, but it hasn’t been sold, there is just a legal note.”

She added: “I would welcome any developments taking place on the site as a result of anti-social-behaviour.

"A number of times it has been set on fire. It was just an attraction for anti-social-behaviour.”

The proposed development has also welcomed by fellow Sedgley ward councillor Michael Evans, who said: “I believe a new Aldi could be built on on the former housing offices. I would certainly welcome a new store to bring in business.”