Work to build Llay Aldi starts as Crown Crossroads improvements confirmed

The discount food retailer got the greenlight for a new store in Llay in December 2020.

But these were put on hold due to concerns about safety and congestion at the crossroads of Gresford Road and Straight Mile.

Now, it has been confirmed improvement work will start before the end of the year.

After several months, Aldi and Wrexham Council have been advised that the much-needed improvements are due to begin in December.

Aldi will be starting the construction of its new store in October this year and will open its doors to its loyal customers in early Summer 2022.

Inside an Aldi store.

This will ensure the provision of up to 40 full-time equivalent jobs and an investment of over £5 million into the local economy in 2022. It will also ensure that the much-needed highway improvements are completed prior to the store opening.

Bryn Richards, Property Director for Aldi said: “The improvements to the Crown crossroads will ensure the safety of local residents and reduce congestion on the local network. For this reason, we felt it imperative to deliver on our promise not to open our store before the highways improvements have been made.

We are delighted to announce that construction will begin on the Aldi store in the coming weeks with a target opening date of early Summer 2022.”

Crown Crossroads.

Councillor David A Bithell, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “We’re very excited to be working with Aldi on highways improvements around their new store. It will make a huge difference to local residents.

“It’s to Aldi’s credit that they’ve been so conscientious in wanting to improve the junction before they open their new store.

“I’d also like to thank the local councillors who’ve raised issues and hopefully this will address their concerns.”

Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economy, added: “As well as improving the traffic infrastructure, the new store will create much-needed jobs and provide high-quality products. It’s really positive that top companies like Aldi continue to invest in Wrexham.

The new store will bring lots of benefits to both Llay and the surrounding area.”

Earlier this year, Sarah Atheron, MP for Wrexham, met with Llay residents to listen to their concerns.

Sarah Atherton MP meets residents at the crossroads in Llay

She said: “Having listened to the concerns of residents in Llay, and of Aldi, about the lack of progress on the upgrades to the Crown crossroads, I am pleased that Wrexham Council have given the greenlight to go ahead with the proposed improvements. This has taken a lot of hard work from a number of quarters, but it is great that these works can now be completed. Importantly, I also look forward to the opening of the new Aldi store, which will be a brilliant addition for the local economy.”