Dozens of new jobs tipped for Friendliest Port
Two new companies are proposing to invest in the Friendliest Port, potentially bringing dozens of new jobs to the town.
📷 Aldi are planning to build a new food store in Amble
Aldi have announced they are planning to build a new food store on the Enterprise Park next to Morrisons, creating 40 new, full-time equivalent jobs paid at £13.50 per hour, with hiring targeted at the local community. They are running a virtual consultation until 12 August, where residents can find more details about the plans. See www.aldiconsultation.co.uk/Amble and use the online feedback form.
Helen Simms, Real Estate Director for Aldi, said: “We’re delighted to announce our plans for a new food store in Amble. This site is well placed to bring Aldi’s award-winning, high-quality and affordable grocery offering to the town, while making productive use of a key development site. We believe the proposal will provide greater choice for local shoppers and deliver investment for the area.
“We would encourage local residents and stakeholders to share their views on the plans, and we look forward to working closely with the community to deliver a new Aldi store for Amble.”
Julia Aston of Amble Development Trust said “We’re really pleased to have more new businesses opening in Amble. New employment opportunities are always welcome. It will lift morale. We’re aware Advance Northumberland have been working over the years to bring new businesses to the Industrial Estate, while not competing with the businesses in the town centre.”
Access to the site would be maintained via the existing entry point off the A1068, leading into the customer car park. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the new food store safely via the existing main access point and pedestrian footways leading into Amble Retail Park.
📷 Greggs have an application for the old Heron’s shop on Queen Street
Greggs making plans
At the same time, bakery chain Greggs have put in a planning application to convert the old Heron Foods’ shop on Queen Street. At time of writing, plans have been submitted to install plant and ventilation equipment as well as fascia signage (See above).
Independent businesses are often cited as one of Amble’s strengths, and some concerns have been voiced about the arrival of a national retailer in Amble’s town centre.
However, a spokesperson for The Helm café told us, “We’re incredibly proud of our loyal customer base who value fresh, locally sourced ingredients and high-quality food. While we completely understand the appeal and convenience of chain bakeries like Greggs, we’re confident in what we bring to the table and look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
Anna Williams
