BUDGET supermarket Aldi looks set to open at a former retail unit in north Bournemouth.

According to the website Completely Retail the German food chain will be opening its doors this summer at the empty BHS store at Mallard Road Retail Park.

Aldi had yet to confirm the details, at the time of going to press.

All BHS stores were closed last summer.

Forty-five jobs were lost at the store at Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre and an unknown number at Mallard Road when both stores were closed in July.

Peter Matthews, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, told the Daily Echo: “From the Chamber’s point of view and for business in Bournemouth I think having Aldi there is a really good idea.

“BHS has been closed for a number of months and the fact it is going to be an Aldi is good news for that part of north Bournemouth.

“My understanding of the retail park is the number of visitors has increased in recent years with the arrival of Smyths Toy Store and Costa Coffee and - with the imminent arrival of Aldi - it should be good news and more business for Mallard Road Retail Park as well as that part of Bournemouth.”

Strouden Park ward councillor John Adams said: “It is a commercial venture and they are obviously interested in the area.

“There is free parking as well.

“I think it is a matter that, while they aren’t going into the centre of town, they have obviously done their research.”

Other supermarkets in the locality include Asda and Sainsbury’s - both located over the road at Castlepoint.

Councillor Adams added: “I think it’s good competition that will hopefully do well and attract others to the area.

“I am a former hotelier and we saw lots of hotels pop up close to other hotels.

“Aldi and Lidl seem to be going well. There is not a grocery store that side either. It will attract people there too I’m sure.

“It is a good balance of competition and it’s far better than the store remaining empty.”