WORK is finally under way to build a new Aldi supermarket in Coulsdon town centre, ten years after a pub on the site was knocked down.
Since The Red Lion pub was demolished in 2004, the prominent Brighton Road location has remained undeveloped, hosting a private car park for some time, but a more permanent building is set to take shape over the coming months.
The new two-storey building, complete with 48 space car park, offices and Aldi training centre, is expected to open early next year.
Aldi's plans were approved by the council in February, after several applications were rejected in the long-running planning saga.
Charles King, chairman of East Coulsdon Residents' Association, was among those who backed the final plan.
"We're very pleased it's started at last," he said.
"They seem to be doing a reasonable job so far, and we look forward to it opening at Easter."
He added: "Three or four applications got turned down but this one was the one that satisfied most people's objections.
"Hopefully it will help bring more people back to the town centre and it will at least provide some parking spaces in the short term, when Lion Green Road shuts later this year."
Lion Green Road car park will close in November, depriving Coulsdon of hundreds of parking spaces, but those using the new Aldi car park will be able to shop in the town centre for 90 minutes.
Peter Appleford, from Coulsdon West Residents' Association said he had "mixed feelings" about the store.
"I probably think it's mostly a good thing, it's not the plan itself it's the building design I have a problem with," he said.
"But with the population increase in Coulsdon, thanks to Cane Hill, we're going to need these outlets."
One of the planning conditions stipulates Aldi must fund a series of public art displays in Coulsdon town centre.
Mr Appleford said the association was asking for residents to submit ideas to Croydon Council for the art.
