An Aldi store is set to open in Deal.

Nearby businesses have confirmed that plans are underway for the German discount supermarket to move into the current Co-op in Park Street.

Aldi's plans include a complete rebuild which is estimated to take six months with the new store potentially opening by July 2019 but no later than Christmas 2019. It will also offer 90-minutes' free parking.

It was already known that the Co-op's lease on the supermarket in Park Street had come to an end, leaving them in negotiations with its landlord.

It is now understood that Aldi has bought the site's freehold, including the car park, and is working to submit a planning application to Dover District Council in the coming weeks.

The company has held meetings with the nearby independent businesses and has pledged to help them relocate in the town centre.

Nicola Perry, owner of the Sun House, said: "We've been in talks with Aldi and can confirm we will be leaving our Park Street premises to assist them in their plans to open a store in Deal.

"We are happy with the arrangement and have already identified another building in the town centre where we would like to go."

Jamie Stenhouse from Jilly's dry cleaners, said Aldi has made them "a favourable offer to relocate."

He said: "They don't want to see us go out of town.

"They say our customers are their customers. They're going to fund looking for a new premises in town and they plan to open by Christmas 2019.

"They are totally redeveloping the building and the whole building is coming down including the flats at the top."

According to Co-op staff, the shop has a new 13-month lease but Aldi can evict them at any point, giving just three months' notice.

At which point, its 38 members of staff will be offered a transfer or redundancy.

An Aldi spokesman said: “Aldi would like to open a store in Deal, and give local people easier access to the popular Aldi offer.

“No planning application has been submitted yet and we are still finalising the plans.

"We have met with many key stakeholders to make them aware of the emerging proposals and after Easter we will be progressing with wider community consultation, which will include distributing a leaflet to share the plans with local people and encourage them to let us know their views.

“We hope a new Aldi will be a welcome addition to the town.”

The Co-op is yet to comment.