The German-owned store chain is now seeking a development partner for the project.

Mike Clarke, property director for Aldi, said he did not think work on the site, which is to be redeveloped creating a four-storey building comprising the new store, a new Conservative Club, 34 apartments and a basement car park, would start for months.

He said: "We have still got a few things to sort out first. There are still some discussions with the United Reformed Church, who are to be our neighbours, and the relocation of an O2 telecommunications mast on the roof of adjoining St Anthony's House. It's unlikely to be this year."

He gave some details about the new store. "It is 963 square metres of sales floor," he explained.

"We hope to open it some time in the second half of 2010. It is a 12 months' build contract in itself.

"We will be looking for a partner to develop the site.

"We will be looking to recruit 10-15 local people as new jobs and will integrate a small amount of experience from our Blackpool store.

"It is a project we have been working on for three years, so we are thoroughly looking forward to coming to St Annes and it is part of our expansion plans as we are looking to open up a store every week."

Fylde Council approved the plans last month. There were a number of objectors.

Adjoining St Anthony's House, the former JobCentre building, will also be demolished.

Coun Roger Small, cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: "The opposition around the development was focussed around the conservation area and the loss of what is a historical building. However, the plans are for a new building which keeps to the style of surrounding buildings to a very high standard."

He said a shopping survey highlighted a need for retail outlets of this type.

"The evidence showed that this need, if not met within the town, could drive people to larger, out of town, supermarkets," he said.

n Club's new era – Page 2