New Aldi in Bulwell delayed by deep well discovery

Work on the Hucknall Road project was halted after the well, which is over 100m in depth, was uncovered on the site of a former car showroom.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Having received planning permission our priority was to get the new store built and it is extremely disappointing to hit delays at this stage.

“Unfortunately, the discovery of the well means that the new store in Bulwell will not open this year, as was originally planned.

“Due to the complexity of the well, we’re currently undertaking further investigations at the site so that we can review potential solutions and work out where the store would fit in our build programme.

“We understand that this is frustrating news for the many residents who are looking forward to our new store in the town and would ask them to bear with us whilst we try to resolve this issue.”

Councillor Alan Clarke, who voted in favour of the scheme, said : “The vast majority of people thought it was a good idea to have an Aldi. People have noticed that work has ceased on the site.

“Food retail works in an annual cycle so they don’t expect to be ready for Christmas.

“I don’t believe it’s unsurmountable. But it will take time to address.”

The store says that it undertook all of the surveys required in the planning process, but did not discover the well until it demolished the former car sales garage before Christmas.

The garage had been built on top of the well, which also does not appear to have been recorded on historical maps of the local area, they said.

After planning permission from Nottingham City Council was granted in 2014, Aldi purchased the site and began clearing it for construction.

If residents have any questions regarding the proposal they can contact the project’s Freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.