News: Plans approved for new Rotherham foodstore

An outline planning application has been approved for a new foodstore at a Rotherham retail park, capping off an impressive 2024 for the site's new owners.

Rothbiz reported in July on the proposals to expand Parkgate Shopping, the 2nd largest purpose-built retail warehouse park in the UK.

Having acquired the park for around £60m, new owners, Columbia Threadneedle, have assessed the potential for expansion with the development of the delayed £12m link road and Park & Ride.

The outline planning application was submitted for land next to Matalan which is currently used as a Park & Ride for the tram-train. The proposal was submitted in outline with all matters reserved except for access.

With the relocation of the Park & Ride to a larger facility which is still being completed, the new proposal is for a 20,000 sq ft rectangular unit "that is the required format of food retailers in order to provide linear aisle for convenience goods shopping."

The plans discuss that it will be a "national multiple food retailer" that will be the new tenants, with the proposed store employing circa 50 full-time equivalent staff members.

Advertisement
As the site is classed as out of town, a retail assessment and sequential test is also included.

Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Planners at Rotherham Council agreed that there are no other preferrable sites within the Rotherham town centre or Parkgate district centres given the floorspace and car park requirement of foodstores.

Planning officers also concluded that the new store would only have a minimal impact on the Tesco store on Drummond Street, which would "still be trading at significant levels above its expected level."

Conclusions also add that "car parking capacity at the retail park, is not unduly affected by the development, as the loss of car park spaces is mainly spaces associated with the Tram Park and Ride which operates differently to the remainder of the retail park."

No occupier is named but an analysis of the current market submitted with the application by agents, Savills, states that this size of store is popular with secondary foodstores including Waitrose, M&S and Co-op, and discount foodstore retailers including Aldi and Lidl.

Parkgate Shopping has enjoyed a hugely successful year, in part thanks to the arrivals of a host of new brands and the opening of the new link road in December 2024. New owners, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, took the helm in January 2024, with plans to "better align the shopping mix with the wants and wishes of Parkgate’s customers."

New openings include the Sports Direct and USC combined store and Everlast gym, the reopening of Wilko, the expansion of Superdrug and new arrivals of Starbucks, Pavers and Foot Asylum. Negotiations are underway for more to come in 2025.

Visitor numbers were 6% up in the first week of December compared to the same period in the previous year.

Parkgate Centre Manager, Janet Drury, said: “It has been a phenomenal festive period here at Parkgate. Our shops and restaurants were buzzing with Christmas shoppers enjoying the season and making the most of the amazing range on offer, all in one place. It has led to some exceptional trading successes for our brands.

“Once again, the Parkgate community came together in support of Families First’s Toy Appeal, which it supported for a 14th year, just weeks after the charity was recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. We have such a lot to be thankful for and wish our loyal customers a very Happy New Year. Watch this space for more exciting news from Parkgate in 2025!”

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Columbia Threadneedle / Harris Partnership

Read more...

News: Plans for new Rotherham Lidl withdrawn

German global discount chain, Lidl, has withdrawn its plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The updated plans, submitted in April 2022, were very similar to those previously submitted. They included a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest which would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, new changing rooms and a new additional sports pitch at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Lidl's plans were for a build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets. 40 full time and part time job opportunities would be created if proposals are approved.

Rotherham Council's planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

Advertisement
Lidl, which has a store target of 1,100 stores in the UK by the end of 2025, was hoping that the opening of a new Aldi nearby would improve their chances of gaining approval, arguing that the new Aldi at Fence had diverted trade away from the existing Swallownest shops and a Lidl would divert "a significant proportion of trade" back from the Aldi at Swallow Wood Road instead of the Co-op.

Instead, Aldi joined hundreds objecting to the plans, with many comments on the application also supporting the development.

Mark Stringer, property director at Aldi, said: "We cannot see that there has been any change in circumstances that would warrant the Local Authority coming to a different decision other than the fact that the need for choice and competition has already been satisfied through the opening of the ALDI store. There have been no obvious amendments to the application or any changes to National or Local Planning Policies that would tip the planning balance in favour of the application proposals.

"The applicant does not appear to address the previous reason for refusal ... there has been no evidence provided to demonstrate how Members concerns have been addressed through the resubmission."

The Lidl application was withdrawn last week.

Last year, Lidl secured planning permission for a new store on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

Read more...

News: Discount supermarket takes on former Rotherham Aldi

Farmfoods has moved into a Rotherham commercial unit vacated by Aldi at the end of 2022.

Rothbiz reported in September that, despite being Britain's fastest growing grocer, the German discount retailer had informed staff that its Eastwood store would close in October.

Farmfoods is a frozen food retailer that saw a large increase in sales during the COVID pandemic. Founded in Scotland, the company started in 1955 as a meat-processing business and now has 300 stores (including one at Parkgate) and four distribution centres nationwide. It posted turnover of £872.5m in the year to January 1 2022.

Farmfoods has announced that the new Rotherham store will open on January 14.

Advertisement
The 15,080 sq ft unit was built on the former Matthewman's car showroom with work starting in 2011. Despite Aldi's sales growth and expansion, Rothbiz revealed in 2021 that Lamb & Swift had been instructed to advertise the store on Fitzwilliam Road as being for sale and to let.

The modern retail unit, which is on a site with an area of 1.7 acres and has 78 car parking spaces, was made available by way of a new lease or for sale with asking prices only available on application.

In 2019, rival discount chain Lidl, opened a 23,000 sq ft store on the site of the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club, just over a mile away. The Eastwood site is also located between large Tesco and Asda stores, as well as being close to Iceland and Heron Foods outlets.

Farmfoods website

Images: Tom Austen

Read more...

News: Aldi to close Rotherham store

Aldi is set to check out of a store in Rotherham that is only ten years old.

Despite being Britain's fastest growing grocer, the German discount retailer, has informed staff that its Eastwood store will close next month.

Aldi, which already has more than 960 stores across the UK, has plans to open on average a new store every week over the coming years as it targets 1,200 stores by 2025.

Discounters have seen dramatic sales increases in recent months. Retail industry experts, Kantar recently reported that Aldi’s sales rose by 18.7% over the 12 weeks to 4 September 2022, reaching a 9.3% market share and making it Britain’s fourth largest supermarket for the first time.

Despite the sales growth and expansion, Rothbiz revealed last year that Lamb & Swift had been instructed to advertise the store on Fitzwilliam Road as being for sale and to let.

Advertisement
Now staff have confirmed that the store will close on October 16.

Staff are being offered the opportunity to move to other nearby stores.

It is expected that the Eastwood building will be taken on by another retailer.

The 15,080 sq ft unit was built on the former Matthewman's car showroom with work starting in 2011.

The modern retail unit, which is on a site with an area of 1.7 acres and has 78 car parking spaces, was made available by way of a new lease or for sale with asking prices only available on application.

In 2019, rival discount chain Lidl, opened a 23,000 sq ft store on the site of the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club, just over a mile away. The Eastwood site is also located between large Tesco and Asda stores, as well as being close to Iceland and Heron Foods outlets.

Since the Eastwood store opened, Aldi has gone on to open Rotherham stores at Parkgate, Bramley, Maltby and Swallownest.

Aldi regularly publishes its property requirements but no areas of Rotherham are in the latest update.

Aldi website

Images: Lamb & Swift

Read more...

News: Lidl resubmit plans for new Rotherham store

German global discount chain, Lidl, has resubmitted plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

This time, applicants hope that the opening of a new Aldi nearby actually improves their chances of gaining approval.

The updated plans are very similar to those previously submitted. They are for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest which would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, new changing rooms and a new additional sports pitch at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Lidl wants to build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets.

40 full time and part time job opportunities would be created if proposals are approved.

The planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

Advertisement
For the updated planning application, a new retail statement has been submitted. Authors, dpp Planning, assess the impact of the opening of the new Aldi at Fence in 2021, which it says is "over-trading" and has "contributed significantly to a nearly 40% reduction in trade" at the Co-op in Swallownest.

Both Aldi and the Co-op objected to the 2020 application.

The analysis states that the new Lidl is estimated divert £3.6m away from the Aldi and £0.13m from the Co-op.

The latest application adds that the over-trading of the Aldi "demonstrates a clear latent demand for additional discount retail destinations" in the area and that the Co-op is "now performing in a predominantly top-up shopping role."

Lidl's application argues that the vitality and viability of Swallownest has also been exacerbated by the lack of opportunity for linked trips to the Aldi.

Conversely, with Lidl offering to provide car parking for up to two hours in 100 spaces on the edge of Swallownest, it says that the new store "provides strong opportunities for linked trips with the existing shopping centre."

It adds: "A significant proportion of trade is expected to be diverted to the proposed development [Lidl] from the Aldi at Swallow Wood Road instead of the Co-op. It is likely that the vast majority of residents who would previously have used Co-op in Swallownest as a main food shopping destination have already been diverted to Aldi at Swallow Wood Road. We have also assumed some diversion of expenditure from other convenience floorspace in Swallownest, the only real provider being Del’s convenience store."

The retail statement concludes: "We do not consider that the proposed development, considered either in isolation or cumulatively with other commitments would be of significant detriment to the vitality and viability of the identified retail centres. In fact, we consider it presents an opportunity to retain and encourage linked trips with Swallownest District Centre in the event that the Co-op store were to close as a result of the Aldi store at Swallow Wood Road Local Centre.

"Further, the impact of the proposed development on Swallow Wood Road Local Centre would in effect "correct" the overtrading of the single Aldi store in this centre, and we consider that the two stores could trade without resulting in a significantly detrimental impact to the vitality and viability of this centre."

Lidl website

Images: Lidl

Read more...

News: Lidl ready to reignite Rotherham store wars

German global discount chain, Lidl, is looking to resubmit plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans for a new Lidl foodstore, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

With no appeal against the refusal, residents views are now being sought again as Lidl prepares to resubmit a planning application.

Agents explain that Lidl wants to build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets. They add that: "if approved, the proposals will see investment in improvements for Swallownest Miners’ Welfare Club, including new changing room facilities and the creation of an additional sports pitch for community use."

If approved, the development would create up to 40 new full and part time jobs.

Advertisement
A total of 129 representations were received for the earlier plans, 78 objecting to the proposal, and 51 supporting the scheme. Objectors included Aldi, which has since opened a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest.

The planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

Lidl recently secured approval for a new foodstore in Handsworth, just over the border in Sheffield. Rotherham Council had objected to the plans and asked applicants to assess the impact on the Waverley development where a 16,500 sq ft building designed for a deep discount retailer such as Lidl or Aldi, is part of the early proposals for the Olive Lane development.

Lidl is also proposing a new Rotherham store on the High Street in Maltby.

Lidl consultation website

Images: Lidl

Read more...

News: Aldi puts Rotherham store up for sale

Could Aldi be checking out of its store in Rotherham that is only ten years old?

Despite being Britain's fastest growing grocer, the German discount retailer has recently put its Eastwood store up for sale.

The supermarket, which currently has over 900 stores, plans to open on average a new store every week over the coming years as it targets 1,200 stores by 2025.

But commercial property agents, Lamb & Swift have now been instructed to advertise the store on Fitzwilliam Road as being for sale and to let.

The 15,080 sq ft unit was built on the former Matthewman's car showroom with work starting in 2011.

The modern retail unit, which is on a site with an area of 1.7 acres and has 78 car parking spaces, has been made available by way of a new lease or for sale with asking prices only available on application.

Advertisement
It is not clear what Aldi's motive is for putting the Rotherham store up for sale but Lamb & Swift are currently working for Aldi to sell former stores in Altrincham, Rhyl, Tyldesley (near Wigan), and Leyland in Lancashire, where the supermarket has moved to larger or newer premises nearby.

In 2019, rival discount chain Lidl, opened a 23,000 sq ft store on the site of the former Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club, just over a mile away. The Eastwood site is also located between large Tesco and Asda stores, as well as being close to Iceland and Heron Foods outlets.

Since the Eastwood store opened, Aldi has gone on to open Rotherham stores at Parkgate, Bramley, Maltby and Swallownest.

The company is investing £500m in new and upgraded stores, distribution centres and its supply chain in 2021. Aldi recently announced it would spend an additional £3.5bn a year with British suppliers by 2025 as part of its expansion plans.

Aldi regularly publishes its property requirements but no areas of Rotherham are in the latest update.

Aldi website

Images: Lamb & Swift

Read more...

News: Plans in for new Lidl in Rotherham

A planning application has been submitted to build a new Lidl supermarket on the site of a former fire station and library in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the German global discount chain had begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the site on High Street in Maltby and public consultation began in December.

The application comes after plans for a new Lidl at Swallownest were recently turned down.

The Local Plan allocates the site for Community Facilities based on its historic use as a Fire Station and Library, however applicants state that these former community uses have now been relocated and replaced elsewhere in the area and the site is no longer required for ongoing community facilities use.

The proposal is for a new store with a 13,500 sq ft sales area on the central and northern part of the site, providing an instore bakery, customer toilets and customer recycling facility. 80% of this net sales area would be used for convenience goods sales, with the remaining 20% being used for comparison goods sales.

A "contemporary design including an open glazed shop front" is proposed along with 87 parking spaces and a single access from High Street.

If approved, the plans would create 40 new full time and part time jobs.

Advertisement
The site is within a defined town centre but applicants say that: "given its status as a Town Centre, the range of retail facilities in Maltby is currently quite limited." Adding: "There are no larger scale foodstores within the centre and these existing facilities, including Tesco, primarily meet top-up shopping needs."

The existing Aldi store nearby is in an out-of-centre location and applicants argue that it has "no relationship with Maltby Town Centre."

Planning consultants, Lichfields drew up the plans and say: "Maltby Town Centre contains a range of retail and service uses which meet the day to day needs of local residents and has a unit vacancy rate which is below the national average, reflecting its resilience in the face of the recent pandemic and wider economic conditions.

"Given its status as a town centre, the range of retail facilities within Maltby is quite limited. Whilst there is a Tesco supermarket, this is relatively small and primarily performs a top-up shopping role. Although there are recently constructed Aldi and Home Bargains stores at Muglet Lane, these are situated in an out-of-centre location and there are no other medium or large-sized foodstores in the town centre."

A study into the impact of the proposal is included, highlighting that the new store "would enhance the accessibility and availability of food retailing to local residents, reducing the need to travel to the above facilities outside of the local area."

Consultants add that there wouldn't be competition between Lidl and the existing provision in Maltby town centre arguing that "the new store would function, in practice, as part of Maltby Town Centre, generating linked trips and spin-off trade for existing businesses there."

The competition would be with the nearby Aldi and a new Lidl would have the biggest negative impact on the stores at Muglet Lane, diverting an estimated £2.4m (23%) of turnover away from the existing location. Lidl says that this Aldi store is situated in an out-of-centre location, and is therefore unprotected in planning policy terms and its viability is unlikely to be affected by the proposed new Lidl.

Images: Lidl / Lichfields

Read more...

News: New Rotherham Aldi at Swallownest has an opening date

Aldi, Britain's fastest growing grocer, has finally announced an opening date for its new Rotherham store, more than seven years after plans were originally submitted.

Rothbiz reported in 2013 that the German firm proposed a 11,000 sq ft store on land at Sheffield Road between Swallownest and Fence, a Council-owned development plot as part of the wider Aston Manor estate which was developed for residential purposes in the late 1990s.

In that time, Aldi stores has opened at Parkgate, Bramley and Maltby.

Now the chain has revealed that the new Swallownest store will open at 8am on January 14.

Planning permission was secured in 2014 for the store which is creating up to 35 full and part time jobs.

Advertisement
The supermarket, which currently has over 900 stores, plans to open on average a new store every week over the coming years as it targets 1,200 stores by 2025.

Publishing its property requirements, the only nearby location left is Mexborough.

The company is investing £500m in new and upgraded stores, distribution centres and its supply chain in 2021. Aldi recently announced it would spend an additional £3.5bn a year with British suppliers by 2025 as part of its expansion plans.

In the four weeks to December 24th, sales rose by 10.6% compared with the same trading period a year ago.

Aldi website

Images: Aldi

Read more...

News: Lidl more information on Maltby store proposals

Lidl has released more information on its plans to redevelop the former library and fire station site on High Street in Maltby to provide a neighbourhood foodstore.

Rothbiz revealed in October that the German global discount chain had begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the demolition of the fire station. The authority sought interest in the former library in 2019. It has already been demolished.

Lidl has now begun gathering feedback before submitting a detailed planning application. Agents, Lichfields, state: "This multi-million pound investment, will see Lidl commit to building a sustainable store with a 1,256m² [13,500 sq ft] sales area, with plans to create 40 new full time and part time jobs. The supermarket will incorporate state of the art facilities including an instore bakery, customer toilets and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

"The proposals will regenerate this key site adjacent to Maltby Town Centre and will improve the choice of retail facilities available to local residents."

Plans were approved to convert the fire station into a fish and chip shop but Lidl explains: "The Rotherham Local Plan allocates the site for Community Facilities based on its historic use, however these former community uses (the fire station and library) have now been relocated and replaced elsewhere in the area and the site is no longer required for ongoing community facilities use."

Advertisement
The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

Plans for a new Lidl at Swallownest were recently turned down with planning board members recently concluding that the detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal.

Aldi, which plans to open a new store at nearby Fence in January, argued against the Swallownest Lidl. For Maltby, Lidl claims that the relatively new Aldi on Muglet Lane is "an out of centre store which will compete with the Town Centre."

It is envisaged that a planning application for the proposed Maltby development will be submitted in mid December 2020.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Lichfields

Read more...

News: Lidl identify site for another Rotherham store

Having recently been refused planning permission for a new store in Swallownest, German global discount chain, Lidl, is progressing with plans at another site in the borough.

Lidl publishes its property requirements and in Rotherham it has site requirements for Kimberworth, Maltby, Rawmarsh, Swallownest and Wickersley/Bramley.

The search looks to have focused on Maltby, with the site of the former fire station earmarked.

Lidl has recently begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the method of demolition and restoration of the site regarding the demolition of the former Maltby fire station buildings.

The site was sold off when the fire service co-located with the police nearby.

In 2018, proposals were approved to turn the 3,500 sq ft purpose built fire station on the High Street into a chip shop with the main area, which would have housed the fire engines, used as a restaurant with the roller shutter doors replaced by new windows.

Advertisement
At .42 of an acre, the site is smaller than Lidl's usual requirements.

Rival, Aldi, opened in Maltby on Muglet Lane in April.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has over 800 stores in Great Britain. Its most recent Rotherham store to open is at Dalton.

The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

At Swallownest, planning board members concluded that the detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal.

An appeal against the decision has not yet been received.

Across the borough, many local people have contacted Wickersley Parish Council about the possibility of a Lidl Supermarket opening on the site of the former JCT600 garage on Bawtry Road.

No plans have been submitted for the site but it is now listed with agents as being under offer.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Google Maps

Read more...

News: Store wars in Swallownest sees Lidl plans shot down

Members of the planning board at Rotherham Council have voted to refuse plans for a new Lidl foodstore, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The German global discount chain submitted plans last year for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest that would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

Rothbiz reported last week that planning officers had been satisfied with studies carried out by the applicants around the impact of the development, the transport implications, the new community facilities and the use of the greenbelt land.

A total of 129 representations have been received, 78 objecting to the proposal, and 51 supporting the scheme. Objectors to the store, which would create up to 40 jobs and have an annual turnover of around £10m, included Aldi, which is readying a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest.

Comments relate to increased competition and the impact on nearby shops in Swallownest but others highlight highway safety matters, bearing in mind the nearby school and nursery.

Michelle Davies, addressing the planning board on behalf of the applicant, said: "This proposal represents a significant investment by Lidl into the local area and will create 40 full and part time employment opportunities for local people, as well as associated construction jobs. Capital generated by the scheme will also allow both of the current occupiers of the site, the Miner's Welfare Club and Christ Church, to further invest in the local community.

"If planning permission is granted today, Lidl intend to commence work as soon as possible with a target store opening date of Autumn 2021.

"The proposal will also increase local consumer choice in Swallownest by providing a discount foodstore in an accessible location, immediately on the edge of the centre."

Davies also accused rival commercial operators of using delaying tactics.

Advertisement
Aldi's representative confirmed that its Fence store, which gained planning approval in 2014, plans to open in January 2021 and said that the allocated retail site was a "marginal" one for the operators.

Mark Stringer from Aldi, told board members that two discount stores and the existing Co-op puts their investment at risk. He said: "Aldi could have taken the option not to progress with development on the Swallownest site and instead object on the grounds that Lidl are preventing investment from coming forward. However, this would have been to the detriment of the residents of Swallownest and a position where there was no guarantee of any new retail store, further delaying the bringing forward of Aldi's investment."

The council was accused of a lack of transparency in choosing retail consultants at Avison Young to assess parts of the application as Aldi said that they have previously been used by Lidl.

Chris Beebe, planning manager for the Co-op explained to the planning board: "We didn't object to Aldi, but feel we have to object here. The proposal is, quite simply, in the wrong place and will have a severe detrimental impact on the whole of the existing centre."

He added that he believes that, based on similar cases, the impact on the Co-op store will be a 30% negative hit on turnover, rather than a 16% hit that consultants conclude, and that the viability of the store would be at risk in its current form.

Matthew Parker spoke about the impact on his Del's Supermarket on the nearby High Street, stating that Swallownest doesn't need another discount store and that members should think about the jobs that could be lost at the Co-op and his store if Lidl went ahead.

Board members discussed concerns over retail impact, and linked trips from the "edge-of-centre" Lidl into the district centre, along with traffic safety and pollution levels regarding the nearby school and nursery.

The board voted nine to two to refuse the application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre.

Images: Google Maps / Lidl

Read more...

News: New Rotherham store moves a Lidl closer

A planning application for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham for Lidl is being recommended for approval by the planning board at the Council.

Rivals, Aldi, which is readying a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest, have objected to the plans.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the German global discount chain had submitted plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest that would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

The new Lidl food store would create up to 40 employment opportunities.

With a sales area of 12,600 sq ft, the proposed development also includes the provision of 98 parking spaces, a scheme of planting and new trees. In addition to the supermarket, the applicant proposes new football changing facilities which would be built adjacent to the existing playing pitch.

Lidl's site, which is close to Swallownest Primary School, was allocated for community use, greenspace and green belt in the Council's local plan.

The application said that community facilities will be improved and that the church will use proceeds from the sale to invest in partner churches at Ulley and Aston.

The applicants have updated the plans and included a sequential assessment and an assessment of retail impact. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Council officers agreed that there are no sequentially preferable sites available in nearby district centres.

Advertisement
An impact assessment was also carried out to support the application which found that Swallownest can support both a Lidl store and the Aldi but adds that "it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact upon the health of Swallownest district centre, although not of a scale to constitute a likely significant cumulative impact." The existing Co-op store is likely to be adversely affected by a new Lidl.

Officers concluded that the applicant has satisfactorily passed the impact assessment and the principle of the proposal satisfactorily complies with national and local policies. They are also satisfied with the any highways or noise impacts, and with the improved greenspace and sports facilities.

The planning board at Rotherham Council are due to discuss and vote on the proposals next week.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has over 800 stores in Great Britain.

The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Google Maps

Read more...

News: Aldi Swallownest opening revealed

Aldi, Britain's fastest growing grocer, has finally announced when its latest store in Rotherham will open, more than six years after plans were originally submitted.

Rothbiz reported in 2013 that the German firm proposed a 11,000 sq ft store on land at Sheffield Road between Swallownest and Fence, a Council-owned development plot as part of the wider Aston Manor estate which was developed for residential purposes in the late 1990s.

In that time, Aldi stores have opened at Parkgate and Bramley, with a further store planned for Maltby.

Now the retailer has revealed that the Swallownest store will open in March 2020.

The proposed store will create up to 35 full and part time jobs. It is also anticipated that up to 200 job opportunities will be created at the construction phase.

Planning permission was secured in 2014 and plans have recently been submitted for new signage at the site.

Advertisement

With over 800 stores, Aldi is the UK's fastest-growing supermarket and has a long-term store opening target of 1,200 stores across the UK by the end of 2025. The supermarket's growing share of the UK grocery market is around 8%.

Aldi's results for the year ending December 2018 showed sales increasing by 11% to £11.6bn from £10.2bn in 2017. Profits fell £68m on 2017 to £197.9m as it continued to invest in growth.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year that rivals, Lidl, also has plans for a store at Swallownest.

Aldi website

Images: Aldi / Harris Partnership

Read more...

News: Lidl check out Rotherham for new store

German global discount supermarket chain, Lidl is planning to open a new store in Rotherham as part of significant national expansion plans.

Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl has grown consistently, and today has 670 stores - with one on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

Now, consultants for the supermarket, Walshingham Planning, has opened discussions with Rotherham Council over a proposed new store on the site of Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club in Dalton.

The building has been vacated after the club fell into administration and the site of the proposed store includes land to the north and west of the empty building.

Advertisement

Details submitted to the Council show that the store would be around 22,000 sq ft, providing 14,000 sq ft of sales floorspace. 80% of which would be used for convenience goods and 20% for seasonal non-food items. A 132 space car park is also being planned.

The new Lidl store would create around 40 jobs.

Laura Beech, a consultant at Walshingham Planning, said in correspondence with Council: "The proposal is to demolish the vacant club building and erect a new A1 foodstore, to be occupied by Lidl and which will function as a new neighbourhood discount foodstore.

"The proposals will secure redevelopment of the site, bringing it back into active economic use and generating employment for the local area. The store will also help claw back trade that currently flows to the out-of-centre superstores, and will provide an accessible and sustainably-located facility."

Applicants will need to prove that retail use is acceptable. The site is currently zoned for business use but is being put forward for residential use in the new local plan which is close to adoption.

Advertisement

Documents filed when the club entered administration show that a £410,000 deal was secured in 2016 with a local housebuilder for the land at Doncaster Road. The prospective purchaser later withdrew the offer.

The documents also show that the site went back on the market with a "national retailer" showing interest. Contracts for the land are set to be exchanged once planing permission is secured.

In July, Lidl discussed its aggressive expansion with a plan to roll-out "at least one shop a week" with investment of £1.45bn between now and 2019.

According to analysts, Kantar Worldpanel, Lidl recently pipped Aldi to the title of the UK's fastest growing supermarket for the first time since March, with sales growth of 18.8% just ahead of the latter's 18.7%. Both retailers continue to gain market share – combined, the two have gained 1.4 percentage points since June 2016 and now hold 5.0% and 6.9% respectively.

In Rotherham, Aldi recently opened new stores in Parkgate and Bramley and has updated plans for further new stores in Maltby and at Swallownest.

Lidl website

Images: Walshingham Planning

Read more...

News: Opening date for new Rotherham Aldi

Aldi, Britain's fastest growing grocer, is set to open its newest Rotherham store later this month.

Planning permission was secured in 2014 for a 10,700 sq ft store on land previously occupied by lighting and conservatory retail units on Bawtry Road at Bramley.

The new store was expected to open in 2016, creating 40 jobs.

The German retailer has now unveiled the opening date of January 19.

The planning permission for the store has been updated and modified a number of times - including changes to the elevations and signage, expanding delivery and opening hours, and an increase in size to 11,800 sq ft.

Advertisement

With the site cleared and amended proposals granted in 2015 and 2016, building work commenced on site where access to the supermarket will be from Main Street and Cross Street.

Free parking is available for 1.5 hours for non customers as well as customers (reduced from an initial two hours to ensure that it is not congested or near full capacity).

The latest Aldi store to open in Rotherham was at Gate Park - the retail development on the site of the former car showroom on Great Eastern Way in Parkgate. Plans have been updated for proposed new Aldi stores in Maltby and Fence.

Aldi will open its 700th UK store in February and is recruiting 4,000 new permanent employees across stores and warehouses over 2017 as it looks to open around 70 new shops this year. By 2022, Aldi plans on opening 1,000 stores in the UK.

Aldi website

Images: Aldi

Read more...

News: Original Factory Shop to take over Rotherham Co-op

Discount department store, The Original Factory Shop, is to take over the Maltby store vacated by the Co-op.

The Original Factory Shop was established back in 1969, with a commitment to bringing big brands for all the family at factory shop prices. It has grown to over 200 stores nationwide with an extensive range of discounted, branded product that change weekly, creating high footfall in normally quiet locations.

The Burnley company has plans for 20 more stores with the new Rotherham store set to open on July 16. Recruitment for staff is underway.

Advertisement

The Co-op has remained tight-lipped on restructuring plans that could see the closure of a reported 300 of its stores. Sky News reported that Rothschild, the investment bank, had been brought in to contact prospective buyers for approximately 300 stores which sit within a 700-strong "non-convenience" estate. In 2009 The Co-operative Group acquired Somerfield, adding over 800 outlets to the food store portfolio.

The Co-operative Group is the UK's largest mutual business, owned by more than eight million members. It operates in 3,500 outlets and employs approaching 70,000 people.

The Co-op store on Maltby's High Street is set to close this week.

Discount retailers have been targeting the colliery town with plans approved for Home Bargains, one of the country's best-loved discount retailers to open a new 18,000 sq ft retail unit at a former industrial site in Maltby.

An Aldi store is also proposed as part of a new regeneration scheme for the site of the council depot and Lantern Engineering Ltd at Muglet Lane. The plans for Home Bargains came when the owners found that the site "is not attractive to the residential market given its location and limited ability to produce acceptable development values."

The Original Factory Shop website

Images: The Original Factory Shop

Read more...

News: Home Bargains planning new Rotherham store

Top brand, bottom price retailer, Home Bargains opens its second store in Rotherham this week and is already planning its third.

With more than 3.5 million customers each week, Home Bargains is one of the country's best-loved discount retailers. It opened its first Rotherham store in 2012 on College Walk, close to Rotherham Interchange in Rotherham town centre.

The retailer is set to open a new 15,000 sq ft store tomorrow at "Gate Park," Gregory Projects' new retail development at at Great Eastern Way, Parkgate.

Now plans have been submitted that will enable a new store to open at a former industrial site in Maltby.

An Aldi store is proposed as part of a new mixed use regeneration scheme for the site of the council depot and Lantern Engineering Ltd at Muglet Lane. New planning documents show that despite canvassing the site to the market since June 2014, the owners have found the site "is not attractive to the residential market given its location and limited ability to produce acceptable development values."

An 18,000 sq ft retail unit for Home Bargains is now proposed to be sited alongside the planned Aldi unit under plans submitted by Quora Developments, specialists in retail and mixed use developments.

With 15,000 sq ft of floorspace and 100 car parking spaces, the site fits well with the Home Bargains business model. The plans state that they tend to locate alongside other discount food retailers with a preference to locate in retail parks which benefit from accessible parking and the potential for linked trips from other retailers. "Therefore the application site is an ideal opportunity for the retailer given the neighbouring Aldi store."

The plans add that the development represents a significant investment and commitment by Quora in the local economy. "This considerable investment would undoubtedly have a tangible and long term positive impact on the local area. This includes the creation of up to 70 new full and part time jobs."

As the site is not located within a designated town, district or local centre, a sequential test assessment is required in line with national and local planning policies. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Various sites around Matlby and Dinnington town centres have been assessed but none are considered to be suitable or preferable. An assessment on the impact on trade that the new development would have has also been carried out. The applicants conclude that trade is likely to be diverted from existing Home Bargains stores nearby and that it would not harm existing convenience retailers in nearby town centres.

TJ Morris, the Merseyside company that operates Home Bargains, has grown organically over the last 30 years to become one of the biggest privately owned companies in the UK. Currently with over 370 stores, over the next five years, TJ Morris plans to grow to 700 stores, employing over 20,000 staff.

Home Bargains website

Images: Home Bargains

Read more...

News: Aldi update Maltby plans

Plans for a new Rotherham Aldi store have been updated again with Britain's fastest growing grocer hoping to open a larger retail outlet at Maltby.

An Aldi store is proposed as part of a new mixed use regeneration scheme for the site of the council depot and Lantern Engineering Ltd at Muglet Lane. Planning permission was secured in 2014 but the plans were updated to vary conditions to the original approved plans. Minor amendments were made with revised site layouts, elevations and landscaping plans, taking the net sales area from 1,000 sq m to just over 1,100 sq m.

Aldi Stores Ltd has now purchased the 1.58 acre brownfield site and have submitted a new planning application for a slightly larger store to allow for a warehouse extension. The sales area is not set to increase from 1,100 sq m from a gross internal area of 1,852 sq m.

The increase is not expected to impact on traffic or parking demand, although parking spaces have been reduced from 94 to 93.

The initial plans, drawn up by Planning Portal, estimated that the development would result in the creation of 35 - 40 jobs. This has now been increased to 50 based on Aldi's current employment figures for new stores.

The applicants add that they do not consider that there will be a detrimental impact to Maltby town centre given that people are still set to visit the town for "top-up" purchases and that there is the potential for shoppers to make linked trips creating spin off trade from Aldi.

Th plans conclude: "The warehouse enlargement proposal to increase storage capacity will be of significant benefit to the Aldi operation to assist in fulfilling customer needs.

"There are many additional benefits of an Aldi store, such as providing an essential facility to its surrounding community. Indeed, there is a lack of provision in the area for existing residents, the proposal will enhance choice and competition within the area due to its proximity and accessibility to the town centre, will also bring benefit to Maltby as a whole."

The UK arm of the German retailer now has over 500 stores, having not had any before 1990.

At a recent meeting of the planning board, the retailer's updated plans for a new store at Bramley were approved.

Aldi website

Images: Harris Partnership / Aldi

Read more...

News: Bramley Aldi plans updated

Plans for a new Rotherham Aldi store have been updated with Britain's fastest growing grocer hoping to open a larger retail outlet at Bramley.

Planning permission was secured last year for a 1,000 sq m store on land currently occupied by lighting and conservatory retail units on Bawtry Road at Bramley.

The new store is expected to open next year and is expected to create 40 jobs.

Since securing permission, Aldi Stores Ltd have secured a small parcel of land adjoining the North West boundary of the site. A slightly larger food store more in line with Aldi's current requirements is now being proposed - totalling 1,104 sq m. The existing building on the extra land will be demolished and the proposed site access off Main Street has been repositioned. The amount of car parking spaces has also increased by eight from the previous planning application to a total of 89.

The proposed store sales area, entrance lobby, warehouse and storage, staff and office facilities have increased, "providing essential enhancements in order to provide an improved service to the of residents of Bramley."

The plans, drawn up by consultants at Planning Potential add: "The increase in retail floor space is so that a larger amount of stock can be displayed at any one time, reducing the need for staff to re-stock shelves, ultimately aiding the customer experience. Aldi do not propose to increase the range of goods on sale and therefore do not envisage that the revised scheme will generate additional visitors compared to the consented scheme."

Applicants have also pointed to the support for the previous plans and the prospect that a proposed foodstore would to lead to a greater number of linked trips, complimenting existing traders nearby.

The next Aldi store to open in Rotherham will be at Gate Park - the new retail development on the site of the former car showroom on Great Eastern Way. Plans have been amended for proposed new Aldi stores in Maltby and Fence.

Aldi announced expansion plans earlier this month that involve opening 130 new stores within the next two years and boosting its 560-store portfolio to 1,000 shops by 2022.

Aldi website

Images: Aldi / The Harris Partnership

Read more...