THE transformation of Newton Aycliffe town centre took a major step forward today (Thursday, November 8) with the opening of a new low cost supermarket.

Bargain hunters were queuing from 7.30am, for the opening of Aldi on Greenwell Road, which has been hailed as another good news story for the town in the wake of the £4.5 bn Hitachi investment.

The £1.5m development has created 20 jobs and was welcomed by residents, councillors and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, who described it as a “great asset.”

Jean Jones, who played the gin-loving tea lady in Aldi’s award-winning TV advert, opened the store and shoppers were treated to free samples and special offers.

She recently moved to Newton Aycliffe from Middleton One Row, near Darlington.

Happy customer Maria O’Keeffe from Woodham said it was just what the Newton Aycliffe needed.

“It is fabulous and it is great to have more choice,” she said. “I think I have saved quite a few pounds today. I won’t buy everything here but I will certainly come every week.”

Aldi’s investment is part of a scheme to rejuvenate the town centre, with the next phase of regeneration, including tree planting and the installation of new lighting and paving, expected to begin soon.

Other improvements by Freshwater, the company that owns Aycliffe Shopping Centre, include removing the unsightly ramp from Beveridge Way and moving Coffee Pronto to a refurbished retail unit below its current home.

Town centre manager Bryan Haldane said: “I expect that following the opening of the new store there will be a renewed interest from other retailers seeking to get into the town centre.

"We are already in discussion with some existing tenants who are looking to expand or relocate closer to Aldi and the new car park.

“We hope to start work on the £2m refurbishment of Beveridge Way during the early part of next year and continue to build on the success of attracting retailers such as Wilkinson and Aldi to the town.”

Store manager Brendan Doherty said: “There was a fantastic buzz at the store this morning and it was great to see so many people here for our opening event.”