Opening dates for Crawley Aldi, Smyths Toys and M&S stores revealed

The stores will be sited at Acorn Retail Park off Betts Way roundabout in London Road, County Oak.

The M&S Simply Food opens first on August 24, followed by Smyths Toys at an unconfirmed date before Aldi opens on October 27, said spokespeople for the retail chains.

An Aldi spokesman said the opening date was subject to change with further details to be advertised soon.

A spokesman said Smyths Toys did not have an exact opening date. But a Crawley Borough Council today said all three stores would open this year as works on the Manor Royal retail park near completion. She said M&S would open first, then Smyths Toys and Aldi last.

A council spokesman said: “Kier, a leading property, residential, construction and services group with a regional office in Manor Royal Business District, is expecting to complete the building of Acorn Retail Park in July. The first retailer is expected to open its doors in September, following fit-out of the individual stores.

“Kier signed the Developer and Partner Charter in November 2015. This encourages developers, their contractors and council partners to make the most of all available opportunities for local people and businesses.

“Once signed up, developers and partners must demonstrate their willingness to employ local people, create local supplier opportunities and contribute to raising skills for people in the area. Kier delivers projects in partnership with a large number of Sussex based sub-contractors.

“Kier also runs apprenticeship schemes and internships in engineering enabling local young people to obtain industry qualifications and develop their skills. The company also runs a degree level construction management programme. On 29 June, Kier will be at the Big Bang South East Fair to inspire young people from the region to think about careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.”

Councillor Peter Smith, Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “It was great to see the progress of the Acorn Retail Park development and to find out how Kier is helping local young people and businesses through its commitment to the Developer and Partner Charter.”

Steve Cresswell, director, Kier Construction Southern, said: “We’re extremely proud to be further enhancing this business district through the construction of the Acorn Retail Park and the new Elekta building. From our regional office at Manor Royal, we can see first-hand how important this district is for the community and this latest project will create even more opportunities for local people.

“We’re passionate about attracting the next generation into the construction industry and are looking forward to speaking with them at the Big Bang Fair about the opportunities available with Kier.”

Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of Manor Royal Business Improvement District, said: ““Manor Royal is enjoying a period of significant growth and development at the moment. It’s doubly satisfying when progressive local firms like Kier are actively supporting the local economy by working with other local businesses to help build the places and workforce of the future.”

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