Aldi announces new priority locations and a Gateshead store proposal

Aldi has identified 25 priority sites across the United Kingdom for new supermarkets, including Croxteth in Merseyside, Ayr South, Blantyre, Canvey Island and several others. The retailer, which operates over 1,000 stores in the UK, said it is seeking free‑hold, lease‑hold or long‑lease sites in prominent, well‑visible locations. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said, “We know how important it is for people to have access to affordable, high‑quality food close to where they live…Opening new stores…creates jobs and offers industry‑leading pay.” Aldi plans to invest more than £370 million in new stores this year.

Separately, Aldi has applied to convert a disused IKEA distribution centre in Blaydon, Gateshead, into a supermarket. The proposal would create about 40 full‑time jobs and has received strong local backing, with 95 % of the 579 respondents supporting the plan. One resident wrote, “I love it, I hope the council approves the plans.” The council’s decision on the application is still pending.