New jobs expected from food store in Bradford

Seabrook Crisps is to sell its site on Allerton Road, Allerton, to major food retailer Aldi which wants to build a 1,550m2 food store and car park on the land.

The new store would create up to 40 local and part-time retail jobs, says Aldi.

As part of the deal, which has been agreed for an undisclosed sum, Seabrook Crisps would prepare the land to make it ready for development, with Aldi aiming to begin construction in spring 2015. A planning application is expected to be submitted next week.

Once the location of the Bradford-based crisp brand’s factory, the disused land has been vacant since 2004.

Mike Clarke, Aldi regional property director, said: “For the benefit of the community as a whole, we are excited to bring much needed rejuvenation to the Allerton Road site and we have actively started to engage with residents and businesses to let them know about the new store proposal. Our plans will create up to 40 local and part-time retail jobs, deliver indirect jobs through services supporting the new store, and provide local construction jobs.”

Aldi has started distributing information for consultation to more than 3,500 residents and businesses in Allerton.

Seabrook Crisps chief executive, Jonathan Bye, said: “We believe we have found a fantastic solution to turn the Allerton Road site into a positive for the local community, given that the derelict factory has become an eyesore in recent years through persistent vandalism and arson attacks.”

Bradford Council Leader Councillor David Green said: “I’m very pleased this derelict site is being brought back into use after so long and look forward to working with Seabrook and Aldi in developing a plan for new jobs in the area.”