The Site was last occupied by Hopes Auction Mart (livestock, farm and agricultural sales); however, the auction mart relocated in 2013 to Syke Road, with all buildings demolished in 2017. Plans were submitted earlier this month and will now be decided on by the planning department of Cumberland Council. Yesterday, September 15 Aldi announced plans to invest a record £1.6bn over the next two years (2026-27), opening 80 stores across the country as sales continue to rise. Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Shoppers are still finding things difficult and that’s why we’re staying laser focused on doing what Aldi does best – offering customers great quality products at unbeatable prices. We’re more determined than ever to meet that demand, and that’s why we’re investing a record £1.6bn over the next two years, to bring Aldi prices closer to millions more customers.”

Source: The Times September 16, 2025 20:42 UTC