Aldi builds major distribution hub

Neats Court is part of a £400 million, 60-hectare regeneration of the Isle of Sheppey on land acquired by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and The Crown Estate.

Outline planning consent was granted after replacement grazing land was provided at Harty Marsh, thus triggering development funding from Aldi, SEEDA and the Homes & Communities Agency.

Said SEEDA spokesman Nick Young: “To have attracted Aldi, a major international business, to the Isle of Sheppey is a major achievement, and we now have a valuable ‘bio-bank’ in place.

To have attracted Aldi, a major international business, to the Isle of Sheppey is a major achievement, and we now have a valuable ‘bio-bank’ in place

Nick Young

SEEDA

“A proportion of this will offset development at Neats Court, with the remainder available for future high quality schemes in the region.”

The 600,000 sq ft Aldi development will create at least 250 jobs directly and contribute to the local economy through the company’s policy of sourcing local produce.

Aldi South East boss Graham Hetherington commented: “The acquisition of this distribution site indicates Aldi’s commitment to significant expansion of store numbers across the South East/London over the coming years”.

Crown Estate spokesman Nick Harper added: “The completion of the new bridge onto the island and the Rushenden Link Road will open up the area and help Neats Court establish itself as a high-quality business destination.

“The recent land acquisition means we are now in a position to offer new development sites and opportunities for investment in the future, working in partnership with SEEDA and enabling companies such as Aldi to bring new employment to the area.”

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