Store bid will bring 40 jobs

German chain Aldi is to submit proposals to open a branch in Drumchapel, in the west of Glasgow.

If it gets the go ahead retail bosses will redevelop a building in Duntreath Avenue into a 17,000 sq ft store. The move has been welcomed by the community, which says it has been missing a super- market since the Co-operative shut down nearly two years ago.

That store was situated in the local shopping centre, in Dunkenny Square.

The announcement came as discount retailer Aldi was crowned the nation's favourite supermarket in a Which? survey, beating competition from last year's winner and posh rival Waitrose.

The bargain chain, which won 76% of the vote, has high profile customers, including the Duchess of Cambridge.

Drumchapel/Anniesland councillor Malcolm Balfour was part of the team who have been in meetings with Aldi chiefs to discuss the Drumchapel site.

He said: "Aldi had more than one alternative but, all being well, they have settled on the site to the south of the shopping centre as their new location.

"This exciting development will be welcomed by all sides as a long-awaited addition to Drumchapel town centre.

"Everyone has missed what the Co-operative used to give to the area.

"We hope it will revive the area."

"If the plans get the green light, it is likely that the store will open later this year or early next year.

"This project has the added bonus of creating 30 to 40 jobs in an area of high unemployment."

Glasgow Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd said: "The politicians in the area have been trying to influence a major supermarket to come back to the shopping centre for a while.

"Since the Co-operative left we have been trying to get someone else on board.

"So I'm absolutely delighted that Aldi has chosen Drumchapel for their next store.

"It will be on the periphery of the existing shopping centre, which is ideal for the community."

No-one from Aldi's was available to comment on the plans.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk