Aldi has submitted a formal planning application to Liverpool Council to transform a Buzz Bingo hall on Wavertree Retail Park into its latest supermarket, with the potential to create up to 50 jobs.
Details of the Proposed Store
The German discounter, which opened its first UK stores in 1990 and now operates over 1,000 nationwide, aims to take over the existing bingo venue. The site previously housed Gala Bingo before Buzz took over. According to planning documents, the building offers significant opportunity for adaptive reuse.
A design and access statement submitted to the council said: “The proposed Aldi store has been carefully designed to adapt the existing building, replacing the Buzz Bingo with a contemporary retail development that enhances and modernises this key frontage while remaining sensitive to its setting.”
Site Layout and Access
Vehicle access will be retained from Wavertree Road, with updated parking priority feeding directly to the front of Aldi and Matalan. The service access route to the rear of the store will also be kept. Pedestrian access points are incorporated with clear routes terminating at destination points within the scheme. The foodstore is designed to create an open site when viewed from Wavertree Road for ease of access and natural surveillance of the car park.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Aldi hopes the new store could generate up to 50 jobs during construction and operation. On its website, Aldi stated it had “identified a clear need for a discount retailer in this part of Liverpool”, with shopping options limited to “more expensive competitors.” Contractors from the wider city region will be used during construction, subject to council approval. Additional roles would be created for maintenance and window cleaning.
Community Benefits
The planning report added: “The significant investment proposed by Aldi provides the opportunity for the site to be taken up as a foodstore use. The proposed development will provide a modern discount foodstore in an accessible location within Edge Hill district centre which is proportionate to the needs of local residents.” The documents further noted: “The proposed foodstore will enhance competition within the wider food retail sector and consumer choice through the provision of a discount food offer that is not currently available within the centre.”
Other Aldi and Lidl Developments
A separate £9m Aldi store is planned for the Champions Business Park area near the junction of Arrowe Brook Road and Arrowe Park Road in Upton, Wirral. Additionally, competitor Lidl recently announced plans to open a new store at a former fire station in Croxteth.
