A supermarket in Newcastle’s outer west is set to relocate in order to “safeguard” its future in the area.

Aldi has unveiled multi-million pound plans to leave its “outdated” site in Westerhope and move to the nearby West Denton Retail Park.

Under proposals lodged with Newcastle City Council, the German discount retailer would take over the empty former Go Outdoors store and refurbish it into a “spacious and modern” supermarket.

Aldi said that its current shop in Stamfordham Road, where it has been for more than 20 years, “no longer meets the modern standards required by Aldi or its customers” – promising wider aisles and better parking at the proposed new store.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We’re pleased to have submitted our application to relocate the store and are proud to have served the local community for over 20 years. We’re keen to continue providing people with access to high-quality produce at affordable prices.

“All options to improve this store have been considered, but due to existing site constraints, the only viable option to safeguard Aldi’s future in the area is to relocate. The former Go Outdoors unit is located nearby and with investment and refurbishment works we can provide a new and improved store for our customers.  

“We’ve been encouraged by the response from the community with over 85% of people, responding to our consultation, supporting the plans.” 

Aldi said that it was in its own commercial interests to ensure that the Stamfordham Road shop is either sold or let to another tenant, rather than being allowed to lay vacant, as the retail giant owns the building.

The company added: “Aldi has therefore commenced marketing of the unit, to allow interested parties to come forward and provide a sustainable future for the current store.”

Staff from the existing Westerhope Aldi would be transferred over to the new store, while a further 15 jobs would also be created at the larger site.