Aberystwyth - Aldi

Acquisition of Site for new Foodstore This is a recent example of many site acquisitions the firm has undertaken for Aldi Stores Limited. Peter Graham has handled Aldi's work since the early 1990's and understands this retailer's requirement for sites very well. Typically they acquire "ring road" sites around a shopping area where there are better prospects of obtaining planning permission. Sites are typically 1.2 to 1.5 acres with good road frontage, previously accommodating stores of 12.500sqft gross internal although the company is now keen to build stores of 16,000sqft, recently introducing a higher quality of store design and trading format. Typically sites require between 70 and 100 car spaces. This Aberystwyth site was identified in autumn 2005 and comprised a freehold site owned by Lloyd Motors, trading as Rover dealership. The adjoining land also acquired comprised cleared land used for parking and an older building let to Kwik Save. Following Aldi's recent acquisition of some 13 Kwik Save and Somerfield stores where S&A were involved, possession of the Kwik Save has been achieved and a redevelopment of the site will commence once planning permission is obtained. This is a very high quality site close to the town centre and other retailing on Park Avenue. S&A's involvement includes restructuring the freehold and leasehold interests on part of the site, negotiating with the Council. Aldi now have some 27 stores in Wales with an intention to acquire another 50-60 over the next five years or so. Other recent or current acquisitions include Haverfordwest, Caerphilly, Brecon, Bridgend and Ross-on-Wye. Acquisitions usually relate to freehold sites although Aldi are now more flexible.