A CONVENIENCE store which has stood empty for nearly a year is set to get a new lease of life.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) has agreed a deal with supermarket chain ALDI to take over the site of the former Budgen’s store in Winklebury Way, which has been empty since the company running it went into administration in March 2017.

The building’s landlord and the council have been in negotiations since that time to try to attract another new company to provide an overdue shopping facility for the area.

BDBC cabinet member and portfolio holder for property and development Councillor John Izett said: “Bringing new investment to Winklebury is a high priority for the council. I am delighted that we have attracted ALDI to Basingstoke to open a modern new supermarket on the site of the former Budgen's in Winklebury Way.

“The opening of this new store would improve choice and convenience for the residents of Winklebury and surrounding areas as well as providing new jobs.

"It is also important that council-owned land is used in a way that benefits the area and these proposals would mean a much improved building and bring in rents to contribute towards council services.

"I look forward to welcoming the company to the borough and will be hoping for an early opening of the proposed new store.”

Subject to planning permission, for which ALDI is expected to submit an application later this year, it would be the first store the chain has opened in Basingstoke.

An ALDI spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be progressing plans for a new ALDI in Winklebury. The new store will give local people more shopping choice and easier access to ALDI’s popular high quality, great value offer, saving them time and money.

“The store is expected to create up to 40 new jobs, and ALDI is proud to have been recently named as The Grocer Employer of the Year, in recognition of the amazing training opportunities and the industry leading rates of pay we offer.”