Pictured above: The new Aldi store at Edgbaston Mill

The new Aldi store at Edgbaston Mill, which is part of a wider scheme to develop world class leisure, retail and accommodation facilities across the road from Edgbaston County Cricket Ground, is taking shape and on schedule to open on March 31st.

The store, which was given the go ahead by planners in June, is the latest project in the Edgbaston Mill development which already includes high-quality living space and has planning consent for a 200 bedroom hotel with a luxury health club, café and three restaurants.

Aldi will serve people who live and work in Edgbaston, as well as visitors to the cricket ground opposite, which is currently undergoing its own multi-million pound redevelopment.

The steel frame of the store is already erected and floor slab has been installed. External walls and glazing are now being put in place, ahead of floor finishing, electrical installation and internal fixtures and fittings before the end of next month.   

A spokesperson for Aldi, said: "Construction of the new Aldi store at Edgbaston Mill is progressing well. We coped well with the spell of poor weather that affected the whole country in December and are looking forward to welcoming shoppers when the store opens on March 31st. 

"It's a very exciting time for Edgbaston and we are pleased to be such an important part of the Edgbaston Mill scheme."

Ralph Minott, Director of Developments at Calthorpe Estates, said: "We are delighted to welcome Aldi to Edgbaston. It is fantastic to be able to attract an international brand directly opposite the world class cricket venue. 

"With the recent unanimous approval of the Wylam Investments' luxury hotel and leisure complex proposal on the remaining plot at Edgbaston Mill, our ten-year aspiration to provide the community and Birmingham with a high quality leisure and retail destination in this part of Edgbaston has real momentum. It is a fantastic testament to the hard work of everybody involved bringing this to fruition through the tough economic times we are experiencing." 

The opening of the Aldi store will be the next milestone in the scheme after the Redrow Hemisphere development, which is already constructed and over 95% occupied. The new 200 bedroom hotel and leisure facility, including three restaurants, will complete the commercial element of Edgbaston Mill and is expected to open by Spring 2012.