A GROCERY chain is set to combine two empty units on a Barrow retail park and open a large superstore the same size as seven tennis courts.

Aldi plans to take over the former Dreams and B&M Bargains units at Hollywood Retail Park in Hindpool Road, knock through to combine the two and create a huge new supermarket.


Aldi, Hindpool Retail Park, Barrow LINDSEY DICKINGS Aldi already has two other supermarkets in Barrow - one in Risedale Road and another at Hindpool Retail Park, close to the site of the proposed new store.

Although Aldi refused to provide an official statement on the plans, sources suggested it could be likely they intend to close the Hindpool Retail Park shop once the new store is open.

The new store is likely to create more jobs for Aldi in Barrow, with the retail area of the shop covering 1,395 square metres - equal to the size of seven tennis courts.

In a planning application submitted to Barrow Borough Council, Indigo Planning reveals that a new canopy will also be built, stretching across the entrance spanning both units.

Hollywood Retail Park has a total of 650 car parking spaces. The park is also occupied by TK Maxx, Dunelm Mill, Vue Cinemas, Nuffield Gym, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, KFC and Apollo Bingo.

B&M Bargains moved into the unit at Hollywood Retail Park in 2010, which had previously been occupied by JJB. The discount store closed in 2015 when B&M moved into larger premises and took over the former Homebase at Cornerhouse Retail Park.

Dreams opened its store at Hollywood Retail Park in 2008 but the outlet closed around four years ago. The bed retailer had been set to open a store at Hindpool Retail Park, in the former Brantanos, but it is understood that is not now going ahead.

A decision on Aldi's plans for Hollywood Retail Park will fall to Barrow Borough Council's planning committee.

If permission is granted, the new Aldi supermarket will mean Hollywood Retail Park is fully occupied.

The planning application, which includes a request to remove conditions restricting what items can be sold in the units, has been submitted by Standard Life which owns Hollywood Retail Park.

A target date for a decision to be made on the plans has been listed as May 26.