A replacement Aldi store and new homes are being built in its place
Old Kent Road’s Aldi packed up last Sunday (August 14) and will be replaced with 168 new homes and a new Aldi.
The development on 840 Old Kent Road, approved in February 2020, will include 36 per cent affordable housing comprising 11 per cent at intermediate rent and 25 per cent at social rent.
Shoppers arriving on Monday morning were confronted with a stripped back facade and empty shelves.
Twitter user Naomi Smith tweeted: “Devastated that the Aldi UK on the Old Kent Road is closing today. One of my faves. I’ll survive.”
Alex Rata tweeted: “RIP Aldi Old Kent Road. Another devastating blow after the loss of KFC a few months ago.”
Just three days after closing, the Aldi sign has been removed and all of the shelves and fridges have been disassembled.
Local shoppers’ next most convenient supermarket is now likely to be the Lidl superstore, 760 Old Kent Road.
The new development is part of the council’s wider Old Kent Road regeneration plans which include building 20,000 new homes and a new town centre.
The development also includes includes a large children’s play area and a £359,000 contribution to improvements of Brimmington Park.
Speaking when the plans were first approved, Cllr Johnson Situ, then Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning, said: “Our vision for the Old Kent Road is to build on its unique creative character, as a place where industry can thrive alongside new homes and quality open spaces.
“This new development is a great fit with our wider Old Kent Road regeneration plans. It offers high quality architectural standards amongst a cluster of taller buildings in this part of Old Kent Road.
“It will also provide benefits for the local community including at least 36 per cent affordable housing; new jobs; new retail and improvements to the local area.
“It will make this part of the street more active (and therefore safer) and will make a substantial contribution to the improvements planned at nearby Brimmington Park.”
The News has asked when works are set to be completed.
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