Aldi lodges plans for former magistrates’ court building
Budget supermarket chain Aldi has lodged its plans to transform a former court building into a new store.
Aldi has submitted its plans to Solihull Metroploitan Borough Council for the demolition of the building and office annex to make way for a 22,915 sq ft store next to Touchwood shopping centre and a nearby Waitrose which opened on Homer Road last year.
The former Magistrates Court was vacated in March 2016 and has been in use as an education and training facility for new and existing Aldi employees since January 2018.
New documents have revealed that a potential alternative, multi-storey development was also mooted, with the proposed foodstore to be topped by residential apartments.
However, the plans were dismissed on grounds that, in the context of the site constraints, it was not possible to achieve a mixed use scheme that would accommodate and deliver the operational requirements of both the retail and residential elements in a “commercially viable and timely manner.
The proposed development, which could create 40 jobs, would provide 81 car parking spaces at groundfloor level,while a direct footpath connection between the store entrance and the footway along the northern side of Homer Road will be provided. A pedestrian link will also be provided at first floor level between the store and the Touchwood Shopping Centre.
The application document said: “The introduction of a new ALDI foodstore in this location will also accord with local and national policy by supporting the vitality and viability of the town centre. It will add to the existing range and variety of convenience retailing available within the town centre, through the introduction of a new discount foodstore offer. This will support and strengthen the existing offer within the town centre. At present there are no discount foodstores available within the town centre itself.”
It also said the plans represent a “significant” economic investment by Aldi, securing its long-term commitment to Solihull Town Centre.
“It will not only provide a high quality discount foodstore, but will also generate full and part time job opportunities for local residents (approximately 40 new jobs). Ahead of store opening, the construction programme will also generate a significant number of job opportunities and wider economic benefits.”
