The budget retailer insists it is still shopping for another location for a second supermarket in the town, although a site it had bought on Eridge Road will now to be sold to a developer.
Aldi bought the plot of land near to Linden Park Road where Sainsbury’s and Homebase are located several years ago.
It was set to be its second store in the town after the German discounter opened its first supermarket in the former Toys R Us site in Longfield Road in November 2019.
However, earlier this year, budget rival Lidl also opened its first branch in Tunbridge Wells, taking one half of the Homebase unit – just over a hundred yards from Aldi’s planned Eridge Road location.
The move has meant the German retailer is now selling the site and looking elsewhere.
The land has been offered to Beechcroft Developments who have applied for planning permission for a retirement apartment complex.
Dan Pannell, Property Director at Aldi Stores told the Times the sale is dependent on planning permission, and the removal of a Village Green designation that would prevent any building on the site.
He said: “Beechcroft have submitted a planning application and are waiting to receive a decision.
“In conjunction with this, an application has been submitted to remove a Village Green designation associated with the site which would allow Beechcroft to progress with their development.
“Aldi are still committed to delivering a second store to Tunbridge Wells, but the Eridge Road site no longer meets the company’s requirements, and we are therefore exploring other opportunities in the town.”
Both Aldi and Lidl brands have been going head-to-head with new store openings over the last couple of years as they jostle for market share.
Lidl has set an aggressive target for 1,100 stores by the end of 2025. It currently has around 880 outlets.
Rival Aldi, which has around 940 UK stores, wants to have 1,200 by 2025 and is investing £1.3billion to meet the target.
