Bilfinger GVA assists Jelson in securing new supermarket in Leicestershire

Paul Brewer, Retail Development Director at Bilfinger GVA’s Midlands office.

Leading property consultant, Bilfinger GVA has assisted Leicester based house builder, Jelson Ltd in securing a new Aldi food store in the rapidly growing village of Broughton Astley.

The 18,650 sq ft store, which is expected to create around 40 jobs, forms part of Jelson’s wider development in the village, which is situated just nine miles from the centre of Leicester.

Planning permission for the 44 acre site was received in 2014 for 310 new homes, a food store, employment development, a community sports hall and a medical centre, situated just off Broughton Way.

The development forms a key part of the Neighbourhood Plan which was backed by 89% of residents in a referendum in January 2014.

Jelson was advised by a cross-disciplinary team from Bilfinger GVA’s Midlands office, led by Directors Rob Thorley from the Planning, Development and Regeneration team, and Retail Development Director, Paul Brewer.

Paul Brewer said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Jelson and are delighted to have provided advice and assistance in the completion of the deal to bring this new Aldi store to Broughton Astley.

“The introduction of this store will improve and complement the local retail offer, help to reduce travel distances for shoppers and will be a fantastic addition to Jelson’s ongoing development.”

The new store will complement Aldi’s existing stores in nearby Blaby, Aylestone, Braunstone, Wigston and Hinckley and will take the place of a Morrisons store originally intended for the site after the company confirmed it was no longer in a position to proceed.

Terry McGreal, Land and Planning Director of Jelson Homes, said: “We are delighted to announce Aldi’s involvement in the scheme and believe we have secured a partner who will bring much needed diversity, quality and choice to the range of shopping facilities available in the village, reducing the need to travel to Leicester or Lutterworth for weekly food shopping.

“The rise in the popularity and success of stores like Aldi has been spectacular and we are confident that the new store will prove to be a valuable and popular asset for Broughton Astley.

“The new store will complete the package of benefits that the scheme will bring to residents which also includes new indoor sports facilities, new employment opportunities and significant new public open space, all at the heart of the village and readily accessible to the community”

Construction work on the site is due to start later this year with the first release of houses expected in spring 2016. A reserved matters application for the food store will be submitted shortly with an anticipated opening date of mid-summer 2016.

Richard Rae of Rae and Co Surveyors, based in Stoke-On-Trent, advised Aldi Stores Ltd.