When Aldi UK received planning permission for its second supermarket in Wrexham, the council’s decision sparked a flurry of reactions across North Wales. The approval, granted on an evening in March 2025, came despite a chorus of residents warning that traffic on the nearby A525 could choke the town centre. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate for Aldi UK, hailed the win as a “key step toward making quality food affordable for every family in the region.”
- Location: Wrexham town centre, North Wales
- Investment: Part of a £650 million rollout plan for 2025
- Jobs: Approximately 40 new positions at market‑leading pay
- Strategic goal: Reach 1,500 UK stores by 2030
- Timeline: One new Aldi store opening each week for the rest of 2025
Background: Aldi's UK Expansion Drive
Since its first UK outlet opened in the early 1990s, Aldi has grown into the fourth‑largest grocery chain, now boasting more than 1,050 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Early 2025 saw the retailer unveil an ambitious £650 million investment earmarked for new builds and refurbishments. The plan targets 40 fresh openings this year – roughly one store every week – while refreshing 23 existing locations with brighter aisles, larger fresh‑food sections and greener energy solutions.
Neale explained that the aggressive timetable is not just about market share; it’s about a “sustainable footprint” that can serve shoppers in both bustling cities and smaller towns like Wrexham. The strategy also dovetails with Aldi’s long‑term vision of 1,500 UK stores, a number that would place the discounter ahead of many traditional rivals.
Wrexham Planning Permission Granted
The council’s green light was technically recorded as a planning permission approval for the proposed superstore on the former industrial site off St. Helen’s Road. The decision followed a public hearing where opposition groups highlighted likely congestion on the A525 and concerns about noise after hours.
Nevertheless, the planning committee voted 7‑2 in favour, noting that the site already sits beside a major road and that Aldi had pledged to fund a traffic‑flow study and improve local pedestrian crossings. The developers also promised to incorporate “green walls” and solar panels as part of the store’s design, aligning with the chain’s sustainability commitments.
Local Concerns and Traffic Impact
Residents remain wary. “We love a good bargain, but not if it means our children can’t safely cross the road,” said Megan Hughes, a long‑time Wrexham voter. Traffic consultants hired by the council project an initial increase of 15 % in vehicle counts during peak shopping hours, tapering off once the store settles into regular patterns.
In response, Aldi has pledged to stagger delivery windows to off‑peak periods and to install an on‑site electric‑vehicle charging hub. The company’s statement emphasized that “community safety is paramount” and that they will work closely with local authorities to mitigate any unforeseen bottlenecks.
Jobs and Economic Boost
Beyond the shopping benefits, the new supermarket is slated to create roughly 40 full‑time roles, ranging from floor staff to logistics coordinators. Aldi’s compensation packages are among the highest in the sector, featuring a starting wage of £10.90 per hour and a suite of employee discounts.
Economic analysts at Welsh Economic Development Agency estimate that the store could inject £5 million into the local economy over its first three years, considering both direct wages and ancillary spending at nearby cafés and petrol stations.
What’s Next for Aldi in Wales and Beyond
The Wrexham opening is part of a broader Welsh push that also includes a new store in Deeside, slated for late 2025. Both sites sit within a half‑hour drive of each other, suggesting Aldi is eyeing a regional cluster to maximize distribution efficiency.
Elsewhere, the retailer is stretching its refurbishment program to places like Barrow‑in‑Furness (Risedale Road) and Ebbw Vale (The Walk), where major extensions will add extra checkout lanes and expanded fresh‑produce areas.
Given the pace of approvals, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another Welsh site added to the 2025 roster before the year’s end. For now, Wrexham residents can expect a ribbon‑cutting ceremony in late summer, followed by a promotional “Grand Opening Week” featuring free groceries for the first 10,000 customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs will the new Wrexham Aldi store create?
The store is projected to generate about 40 full‑time positions, covering roles from shop floor staff to logistics and management, all paid at Aldi’s market‑leading rates.
What traffic measures is Aldi planning for the Wrexham site?
Aldi will stagger deliveries to off‑peak hours, fund a traffic‑flow study, improve nearby pedestrian crossings, and install an on‑site electric‑vehicle charging hub to ease congestion.
When is the Wrexham store expected to open?
Construction is slated to finish by August 2025, with a grand‑opening ceremony planned for late summer, likely in September.
How does the Wrexham approval fit into Aldi’s wider UK strategy?
It’s part of a £650 million push to add 40 new stores in 2025 and refurbish 23 existing locations, moving the chain toward its 1,500‑store target by the early 2030s.
Will the new store affect local small‑business retailers?
Analysts say the impact will be mixed; while Aldi’s low prices may draw shoppers away from some independents, increased foot traffic could also boost surrounding cafés and service firms.
