LARGER GRIMSBY STORE IN PROSPECT AS TRADE CONTINUES TO BOOM FOR GERMAN DISCOUNTER

Artist's impression of how the store might look if the expansion is given the planning green light

BOSSES at German supermarket chain Aldi have earmarked the Grimsby store for a substantial makeover.

Subject to planning consent from North East Lincolnshire, the premises will be extended and the car park will be spruced up with enhanced landscaping.

According to Jamie Pert at  the Harrogate office of the company's agent, Planning Potential, the initiative is in response to "continued strong trading".

Says he: "Additional floorspace will improve efficiencies and operations at  what is considered a constrained store.

"This will create a better shopping experience."

The store, on Cleethorpes Road, is one of the older supermarkets in  Aldi's UK  estate.

The intention is to increase the sales area from 933 sq metres sales  to 1,269 sq metres.

As part of the same scheme, there will also be new covered entrance canopy, a larger and improved staff welfare area and a refurbished manager's office.

The landscaping will be enhanced by infill planting and the replacement of any dead or damaged shrubs or trees.

There is no word of new jobs being created, but this is a possibility.

As a discounter at a time when shoppers are strapped for cash, Aldi has enjoyed spectacular growth over the past decade.

Locally, it has been helped by the demise of competitors such as Ramsden's.

It is understood that Aldi did consider building an entirely new store but could find no suitable alternative location.

It will be a few weeks yet before a planning decision is made on the application, so, assuming it is approved, refurbishments are unlikely to start before the onset of the new year.