A LONG-AWAITED plan to build a discount supermarket on the site of a town centre high-rise office block has finally been given planning permission.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has approved plans to build a new Aldi food store on the site of Cemex House in Evreux Way.
The disused office building – which was the UK head office of Cemex until the cement company sold it in 2022 and moved to a new site in Binley – will be demolished to make way for the new supermarket.
An artist’s impression of the proposed store, as viewed from Corporation Street.
The £5million project, which was first announced in 2022, is expected to create up to 40 new permanent jobs at the supermarket, as well as around 100 jobs during construction.
The approved plans include a 93-space car park, a new crossing, and improved pedestrian links.
Aldi has said that the project would help to support plans for the wider regeneration of the town centre – which include improving public spaces and encouraging a mix of uses across key sites – and create a ‘welcoming and attractive’ entrance to that side of the town.
RBC has outlined funding for 11 projects to support town centre regeneration in its budget for 2026-27, including exploring options for the council to take control of the Rugby Central shopping centre and the Brotherhood House site.
Council leader Coun Michael Moran said the decision was very positive news for the town centre.
He added: “It is so important that key sites within the town centre are brought back into active use.
“Cemex House is one of the first major buildings people see as they come into Rugby town centre, and has been a derelict site for far too long, so getting it back in use again is a key part of regenerating the town as a whole.
The store will occupy the site where Cemex House currently stands.
“Aldi acquired Cemex House many years before my time as leader, and it has been a challenging site to bring forward. Together with Coun Roodhouse, I have done my best to bring all the relevant parties together to find a workable solution.
“I’m delighted that the development will create new jobs and give residents more choice, including access to affordable food shopping in a convenient location.”
Coun Jerry Roodhouse, Chair of RBC’s Town Centre Working Group, said the decision reflected the council’s commitment to bringing redundant town centre sites back into use.
He added: “Making better use of underused land and improving connections between different parts of the town centre will ensure it continues to meet the needs of residents and businesses now and into the future.”
Timescales for demolition, construction and completion of the project have not yet been confirmed.
