Plans for new Aldi store in West Denton granted planning permission
by James Robinson · ChronicleLiveSupermarket giant Aldi is set to take over a former Go Outdoors store in the west end of Newcastle.
The chain received planning permission to move into the former Go Outdoors store on West Denton Retail Park, close to McDonald's. The approval of the plans means the existing supermarket on Stamfordham Road will be closed down, with national chain Pure Gym set to take the site on.
The proposals came before members of Newcastle City Council's planning committee on Friday. Members were told that the Go Outdoors unit has been closed since 2022, leaving the unit vacant.
The application will require the partial demolition of the building, with around 18 metres set to be torn down and replaced with a new shop front and "reconfigured" car park, providing 111 spaces and eight EV charging points.
Council officers did have some concerns about the impact of the closure of the Stamfordam Road store. A retail impact assessment estimated that the turnover of businesses within the Westerhope Local Centre would fall from £19.35 million to £6.4 million without a suitable replacement - a decrease of 67%.
Local centres are defined as containing a range of shops and services which support the daily needs of a smaller catchment area. Because of this "significant impact" on the "vitality and vibrancy" of the Westerhope retail centre, the application contained a legal agreement that means Aldi will be unable to open the proposed new store to the public unless there is proof the former store will be opened as either a gym or a new food store.
Officers explained that analysis found a gym could generate an appropriate level of footfall to replace the Aldi. Furthermore, it would 'diversify' the offer within Westerhope and provide a health benefit to local residents.
The plans were recommended for approval by council officers, and members unanimously voted in line with that recommendation.
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