A NEW Aldi and drive through Costa Coffee will be built on the former Fordton Leisure Centre site.

Warrington Borough Council has this week finalised a £2million deal to sell the 2.9 ace site which will be developed into a new £8million complex.

The new development, which promises to bring in 60 jobs during construction, and between 80 and 100 positions when completed, will include an Aldi supermarket, a Joseph Holt pub/restaurant, a drive-through Costa Coffee, three small shop units, and a 150 space car park.

The scheme is being developed by Cheshire based property developers CPG.

Clr Mike Hannon, executive member for corporate property, said: “Sales of property like the Fordton site provide the money to needed build fantastic new facilities like we now have at Orford Jubilee Hub.

“It also brings welcome investment into the town, providing better neighbourhood services for local people and creates opportunities for jobs and growth.”

The site has been vacant since Fordton Leisure Centre was bulldozed last year to make way for the new £30 million, Orford Jubilee Hub.

Access to the new development will be via Sandy Lane West which was the original entrance to the former leisure centre. Highway works will be carried out at the junction of the site.

Martin Ridgway, managing director of CPG, said: “We are delighted to have worked closely with Warrington Borough Council on the Fordton redevelopment which occupies a prime location and has attracted quality national tenants as a result.”

The sale is the latest agreed by the council as it seeks to plug holes in its budget.

Buildings sales of £15million has been agreed in recent years, with a reduction in maintenance costs of £1.5 million.