Bridgend council and Aldi release images of proposed Porthcawl store

OFFICALS have revealed images that show how the Aldi store planned for Salt Lake, Porthcawl, will look.

Bridgend Council and Aldi Stores Ltd have released an artist’s impression of the multi-million pound development following the company’s purchase of the land in January.

An Aldi spokesperson said the new store, which will be built at a two-acre site known locally as The Green, will create around 40 jobs and give locals “much needed food shopping choice”. They said the company has worked with the council to produce “a bespoke, landmark design, which will complement the town”.

A council spokesperson said “an environmentally-sustainable design which uses high-quality materials” such as limestone and wood has been drawn-up. They added that the roof has been designed to look like a wave “to reflect the community’s close relationship with the sea”.

The development will also include greenery, improved cycle links, electric vehicle charging points, landscaping and extra car parking space to with access to Porthcawl centre.

“After a lot of hard work, contracts have been exchanged and the development of the food store phase of Porthcawl’s regeneration plans is going ahead,” said Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration.

“Money generated from the sale of the land is being reinvested back into Porthcawl, and will unlock funds that will support local infrastructure improvements and further stages of the regeneration plans.

“To ensure that the store fits in seamlessly with businesses in John Street, a Section 106 agreement has been factored in to provide clear links, sightlines and pedestrian access between the sites.

“We are looking forward to seeing the development take shape, and to completing another phase in the ongoing regeneration of Porthcawl.”

Aldi has submitted a formal planning application to build the store to the council and a public consultation on the plans is set to take place in due course. The council sold the land to Aldi in January for a 999-year lease and the new store could be built within two years.

Works must begin within six months of planning consent being granted. If planning consent is not secured within 18 months of entering into the lease agreement then the agreement will be terminated.