A BUDGET supermarket chain is looking to build a new ‘high-quality’ store in Hook.

Aldi is exploring the potential of redeveloping an “underused office building” into a 10,000-sqft supermarket.

The supermarket giant sent leaflets to residents and businesses setting out proposals for a new store in Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook.

The leaflet informed residents that Aldi is working with a development partner to bring forward an ambitious masterplan to rejuvenate part of the Business Park.

It goes on to state the proposal for a new, Aldi forms part of a wider vision to ‘reinvigorate’ the economic prospects of the Park.

The supermarket state the business park is in significant need of investment due to the high level of vacant buildings.

A spokesperson for Aldi told The Gazette: “Given this situation, Aldi is currently exploring the potential of redeveloping part of the Business Park with a new, high-quality discount food store.

“This would not only significantly improve shopping choice for local people in Hook and reduce the need to travel, but also enhance the attractiveness and economic viability of Bartley Wood.

“Aldi recently wrote to local residents seeking their views on the proposed new store as part of a wider regeneration and is currently discussing the plans with planning officers and local councillors.”

Despite sending out the leaflet a planning application has not yet been formally submitted to Hart District Council.

The leaflet reads: “The Business Park hosts a range of employers including trade and industrial uses, but is principally home to large offices. However, the office market has changed in recent years with businesses increasingly looking for a range of amenities alongside office space to help attract and retain staff.

“Bartley Wood has struggled to evolve to meet the changing needs of the business community. The latest figures show that almost 70 per cent of the buildings are vacant. In current market circumstances and given the oversupply of office accommodation in the local area, the Business Park is in need of rejuvenation.

“The plan for this section of Bartley Wood will see an underused office building redeveloped to provide a new employment site that better reflects the demands of the market. The proposal will not only address the oversupply of office space, but also reinvigorate the economic purpose of the Business Park, delivering new jobs for local people.”

If the new store is approved, the development would entail ‘extensive new landscaping and car parking’.