A new Aldi supermarket on the site of a former North East bus depot could open by the end of the year.
The store, on Philadelphia Lane between Shiney Row and Newbottle in Sunderland, has been under construction after plans were given the green light last October.
A total of 40 jobs have been created by the discount retailer, as a large sign on construction fencing confirms bosses are currently hiring.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to be bringing an Aldi store to Philadelphia and are grateful for the significant local support.
“We are hoping to open the store before the end of the year and will keep the community updated on developments.
“Once open, the store will create up to 40 jobs and help local people shop and save closer to home.”
As previously reported, leaflets detailing proposals for the store were first handed out to the community during a public consultation in summer 2023, and reaction from the community was mixed.
Some pointed out an apparent lack of schools and GP surgeries in the area and argued that the land could have been used differently.
One resident said: “I wonder if the people who are looking at buying a house there are checking for schools, docs and dentists, as there are very few spaces at any.
“Also traffic is horrendous up there at busy times so putting a supermarket there will make it 10 times worse. It's not like we are desperate for more supermarkets and the local independent shops will suffer.”
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Supporters said the supermarket would create jobs and benefit residents of new build houses in the area, as well as reducing the need to drive to similar shops.
But one objection came from discount retailer chain Lidl raising technical concerns about the Aldi application and the new shop’s potential impact on Houghton-le-Spring town centre.
A statement on behalf of Lidl said a new “out-of-centre retail unit may further deter people away from visiting and shopping in the town centre” and could have “a significant adverse impact on [its] vitality”.
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