DISCOUNT chain Aldi is to finally open its new store in Didcot next month with the creation of up to 37 new jobs.

The supermarket is being built in Lower Broadway on the site of a former gym and foam mattress company.

As Aldi managers prepare for the opening on Thursday, April 16, they said they were delighted as the chain had been after a suitable site in the town for a number of years.

Spokesman Philip Warner said: “The construction of the new store in Broadway is well under way and we look forward to opening our doors to customers on Thursday, April 16.

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“We have received a great deal of support from local people in the buildup to work starting on site and we are all really excited about being part of the Didcot community.

“Didcot has featured on our town requirements list for a new store for many years and we are confident that our discount format will offer shoppers a genuine alternative, as well as a substantial saving on the cost of the average weekly shop.”

Mr Warner said construction staff started work in September and building is due to finish in early April. The store will have a five-aisle 1,140 sq m sales area and 108 car parking spaces.

Labour town councillor Margaret Davies said: “Aldi have wanted to come to Didcot for a long time and they have stuck at it.

“It’s competition for Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and gives shoppers something new while they wait for phase two of the Orchard Centre.”

Orchard Centre owner Hammerson is preparing a planning application for an extension to the centre, featuring a new M&S food store, 20 new shops, restaurants and cafes.

Didcot Chamber of Commerce member Jeanette Howse said: “Shoppers in Didcot are looking forward to Aldi opening – there’s quite a buzz about it.

“The only potential problem is getting on and off the supermarket site during peak times because it’s just off the Jubilee Way roundabout.”

The Aldi store will open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The chain is looking for a store manager, assistant store manager and up to 35 store assistants, with about half the staff already recruited.