Plans for south London borough's first Aldi move ahead as M&S in same development to expand

The discount supermarket chain will replace the former Sports Direct in Kew Retail Park, as part of a wider refresh that includes a bigger Marks and Spencer.

Richmond Council approved plans to change the use of the empty unit earlier this year so that Aldi could open at the retail park, which is just off Mortlake Road in Kew. The council has now received signage plans for the new store, which are due to be decided soon.

The Sports Direct store which will be replaced by Aldi, Kew Retail Park

St George/Avison Young, provided in Richmond Council planning documents

Penny Moss, from agent Avison young, told the council’s planning committee in January the new Aldi will provide “healthy and affordable food for the local community”.

Ms Moss said: “The application proposes the reuse of an existing building and will introduce a new retailer to this part of the borough. As well as providing access to healthy and affordable food, the proposed development will create around 40 new jobs.”

Planning documents added that the new store would provide residents with a “greater choice of options for undertaking main and top-up food shopping trips which is currently limited in this part of the borough”.

The council approved plans at the same meeting for the M&S Foodhall at the retail park to nearly triple in size, from 743 to 1,876 square metres, by internally reorganising the store to allow for the extension while keeping the same footprint.

Aldi announced Richmond was a priority location for a new supermarket in March 2024, as part of the chain’s long-term target to expand its UK footprint to 1,500 stores. More details on the planned opening date for the new Aldi will be revealed in due course.