Calls for old Grange Centre site to be put back on the market following Aldi proposals

News that Aldi has named Midhurst as one of the towns it would like to bring a store to has reignited the debate about the land.

A care home bid was approved in 2018 for the site but Chichester District Council confirmed this week that negotiations were ‘still ongoing with the preferred bidder’.

The town council said it was continuing to seek a new supermarket for the town and surrounding villages.

A spokesperson added: “Sadly the only realistic site, where the old Grange Centre was, is still under offer despite little apparent movement. The town council still holds to its view that a care home is not an appropriate use of the site, the problems of having one in the centre of the town, being magnified in the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“The town council calls on Chichester District Council to get the site back on the market and support our local community by enabling the town’s biggest wish, to have it developed as a supermarket.”

Midhurst residents have welcomed plans for a new Aldi store in the town.

The German-based discount supermarket chain said it is looking for 20 additional store locations in Sussex, including in Midhurst, Chichester and Bognor Regis, as part of an expansion drive which would see 1,200 extra stores open by 2025. The UK’s fifth largest supermarket previously listed ‘requirement towns’ on its website but this is the first time it has announced its proposals to open more stores.

Aldi said each site should be around 1.5 acres and able to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store with around 100 parking spaces, ideally on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access. 

A number of Observer readers welcomed the plans with open arms.

“Pleeeease come to Midhurst, Aldi!” read one comment from Kate Pudlo.

Lorna Bird said an Aldi is ‘definitely needed’, whilst Tim Stemp said it needs to happen as soon as possible.

Alison Procter said the supermarket would be ‘very welcome’ to come to Midhurst.

Christine Edgington agreed that it ‘would be lovely and well needed’.

Louise Ashcroft wrote: “Personally, I feel there is a need for a larger shop, with more choice and lower prices, in Midhurst.

“Whilst we must certainly ensure our local independent shops are consistently supported, we need to realise that we also have residents with a range of budgetary needs which, at present, aren’t being met easily. It would be interesting to know how many people regularly have to travel to surrounding towns to visit cheaper shops like Lidl and Aldi.”

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