Plans lodged for Edinburgh supermarket extension at Aldi store in Gilmerton
Supermarket chain promises “much-improved offer for local residents”
Aldi has submitted plans to extend its Gilmerton Road supermarket in Edinburgh to "improve the shopper experience" and increase floor space.
The German discount chain is seeking to expand its existing building line into the current car park, increasing the total floorspace from 1,475sqm to 1,821sqm. A minor extension is also proposed eastwards into an area of hard standing at the side of the store.
Under the proposals lodged with the City of Edinburgh Council, the store would gain an additional 346sqm gross floorspace. In turn, this allows for an extension to the sales area of the store measuring 294sqm net sales floorspace.
In turn this allows alterations to the store car park to accommodate the extension, resulting in the loss of two spaces within the existing car park.
A new customer entrance and exit point is also proposed, with a relocated trolley bay being installed adjacent, as well as a new store canopy
The plans also include the introduction of 10 EV charging spaces, with 48 parking bays identified for future conversion to EV charging spaces.
In the planning documents, Aldi’s agent, Avison Young (UK) Ltd, said: “Aldi is already well established at Gilmerton Road, and remains committed to further investment at this location to improve the overall shopper experience in this part of Edinburgh.
“Aldi proposes a modest extension to their existing food store which will better support retail facilities, improve operational efficiency and make the store more sustainable. The proposed extension is designed to use a range of external materials which are in keeping with the façade of the existing building to ensure continuity on all elevations of the extension.
“It is also noted that an upgraded canopy will be installed as part of these proposals which is seen as a positive design characteristic to refresh the existing store.
“Furthermore, increased glazing is proposed on the eastern elevation which will improve the stores activation from Gilmerton Road and also provide an improved customer experience internally through increasing the natural light which permeates the store.
“In addition, it is proposed that the overall landscaping provision within the site will be improved. This will include infilling gaps in the existing provision to provide improved screening.
“The development will improve the design, quality and appearance of the existing Aldi store. The proposed development represents a significant investment by Aldi into the Gilmerton area, which will bring a much-improved offer for local residents.”
The plans also include the upgrading of the existing store plant with new, more sustainable equipment, including Air Source Heat Pumps, and the introduction of an electricity substation, and InPost parcel lockers.
It is proposed that the existing back of house facilities will remain in their current position at the rear of the store. The delivery dock and loading bay will remain in its current position on the western elevation of the store.
The existing cycle provision will be improved with an additional two cycle hoops being provided, taking the total customer cycle parking provision to 12 spaces. This will remain in its existing position along the eastern elevation of the store.
The council’s planning department will now decide whether or not to approve this extension, with the application so far receiving no comments on the online planning portal.
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