Plans for new M&S Simply Food store in Stonehaven could create more than 50 jobs

M&S bosses have revealed that more than 50 jobs will be created if its planned Stonehaven store gets the go-ahead.

FM Retail One is leading an ambitious project to bring a Marks & Spencer Simply Food unit and Aldi supermarket to the coastal north-east town.

And now, a new retail statement created for the firm has revealed more details about the proposed development.

It states that the Ury Estate site would generate up to 40 FTE jobs within the Aldi store, and 57 FTE jobs within the M&S store.

The document explains these roles will compliment new construction jobs which would be needed to build the two stores.

The statement says the Stonehaven M&S Simply Food shop has been designed to give customers an “exemplar, state of the art retail experience”.

It reveals that the foodhall will have over 6,600 product lines to enable the full M&S range to be offered, including Plant Kitchen, Eat Well and Only Ingredients.

While clothing and homeware won’t be sold there, customers will be able to order online and collect at the store.

The statement adds that the Stonehaven unit would “complement” existing M&S stores in Aberdeen, Westhill and Inverurie.

Meanwhile, more details about the proposed Aldi foodstore have been unveiled.

The planning document claims the discount supermarket would “largely cater for the ‘bulk’ food shopping needs of the surrounding local catchment area”.

However, the retail unit would look similar to other Aldi stores across the country, stocking a mix of own brand and big name goods.

The statement also revealed that the “retail destination” would have 359 customer parking spaces, 14 staff parking spaces.

It would have 12 EV chargers and cycle parking facilities, while footpaths would be created allowing residents to walk to the site.

FM Retail One initially revealed an agreement had been made for the brands to open in Stonehaven earlier this year.

Planning consent for a supermarket had already been granted on the Ury Estate, but bosses lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council looking to update the consent for two stores.