SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has unveiled plans to open its third supermarket in Colchester.

It wants to take over the former Staples site at Colne View Retail Park, in Cowdray Avenue.

The Staples site has been empty since it closed in 2013.

As well as revamping the shop unit, Aldi wants to build an extension onto the building to provide 40 sq m of warehouse space.

Parking for the store would be provided by the existing 310 spaces at the retail park, which is also home to national chain stores, including Pets at Home, Halfords and DFS.

Aldi already has stores in Magdalen Street, Colchester, and London Road, Stanway.

Bosses have not revealed how many jobs would be created by the third store or when it could open, if it is granted planning permission by Colchester Council.

But the news has been welcomed by town centre figureheads.

Bill Frame, Colchester councillor responsible for economic growth and planning, said: “I am pleased that unit is now being re-used and there will be jobs created there.

"WhatIam not so sure about is whether it means one of their other stores is going to be closed. It might be a straight swap.

“The traffic conditions are not good in Cowdray Avenue but that has always been an area where people come and go for various shops on that site, soIdon’t think it will have issues as far as traffic is concerned.”

Ron Levy, secretary of Colchester/Retail Business Association, added: “It is good to see an empty unit being taken by a successful company.

“It will boost the economy in that area and I suspect it won’t dramatically affect the town centre economy.”

Colchester Council aims to decide on the plans by October 19.