Aldi eyes Blackpool’s former B&Q unit 

The discount retailer wants to take over half of the 40,000 sq ft former B&Q store on Holyoake Avenue, which closed in January 2017, and open a supermarket. 

Shortly after B&Q closed, another discount retailer, Poundstretcher, moved in, however, under the plans, Aldi would open a 21,000 sq ft store and the existing unit would be divided into two. 

Poundstretcher would “be retained in a smaller format store”, according to planning documents submitted to Blackpool Council.

For the scheme to progress, the council has asked the applicants to contribute towards improvement works to the junction of Bispham Road, Plymouth Road, and Warbreck Hill Road, to better manage the potential increase in traffic the scheme could bring.  

The joint applicants, Aldi and the building’s owner Zurich Assurance, have agreed to pay £30,000 for the work. 

Subject to approval, the store would be Aldi’s fourth in Blackpool. The council is due to determine the plans next week.

The Harris Partnership is the architect for the project and Savills is advising on planning.