By Martin Walker
The much-awaited new Aldi store in Newton Aycliffe is expected to be open before Christmas, it was confirmed today.
Town centre manager Bryan Haldane, pictured with the town’s MP Phil Wilson on the site earlier today, says he expects the Aldi shop to be open for business in early December.
Aldi are spending £1.5m on the store, which will create up to 18 new jobs and will form a new “gateway” to a town centre which is getting a major makeover.
The development was heavily delayed due to a stand-off between utility companies over the ownership of underground pipes.
But building started last month, and is expected to be finished in September – Aldi will then make the finishing touches, ready to be open by December.
In a Video Interview with Aycliffe Today, Mr Haldane said: “The building itself will be finished by September.
“Aldi will then shop-fit the unit which should be finished by mid-to-end-November, and hopefully open for trade from December onwards.”
Mr Wilson was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the site on Friday.
He also spoke to Aycliffe Today, adding: “It’s going to be a great asset for the town centre, competition for Tesco and ultimately it’ll be the gateway to the town centre.
“It’s a new beginning for the town centre, and people have waited so long for it.”
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