By Martin Walker
Newtonians can finally expect to see work start on our new Aldi store within a matter of weeks!
The site has been cleared for a number of weeks since demolition was completed.
But the town centre management has been in touch with Aycliffe Today to tell us the owners hope to start work shortly after Easter.
The delay is down to utility companies failing to complete the diversion of existing underground services – i.e. pipes.
Centre manager Bryan Haldane said: “Having finished the demolition works some time ago, Freshwater and Aldi are very keen to get this project underway and have found the delays incredibly frustrating.
“We have already tendered the works and also selected a contractor for the project.
“Before the contractor can start work on site the utility companies need to have made all the existing services safe.
“We contracted and have already paid the utility companies for these works last summer and are still waiting for them to complete those works.
“In the meantime we have secured planning consent for a comprehensive refurbishment of Beveridge Way and are working with the Town Centre Partnership to see how else we can rejuvenate the town centre.”
As reported by Aycliffe Today a number of weeks ago, and in his exclusive Video Interview with us, MP Phil Wilson moved to quash rumours which had been circulating that Aldi were pulling out of the deal.
“The Aldi store is going to be built,” Mr Wilson told us.
“It’s nothing to do with Aldi, nothing to do with the developers, nothing to do with Freshwater, the town centre or the county council.
“The problem is with utility companies and something as simple as pipes.
“That’ll be resolved and they’ll start building and this supermarket will be open this year.”
Aycliffe Today will keep Newtonians fully up-to-speed on the Aldi store as well as other exciting developments in the offing for our town centre over the coming months.