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New Air Ambulance Superstore coming soon!

Your local air ambulance has unveiled ambitious plans to transform a former Aldi supermarket in Alfreton into a superstore and café which will raise vital funds for the lifesaving service.

The charity, which operates Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), is due to “land” at the Somercotes site early next year after securing the lease and planning permission from Amber Valley Borough Council.

The Nottingham Road unit will undergo a substantial transformation over the next few weeks turning the building into The Hangar superstore selling new and pre-loved homeware, furniture, electricals and clothing.

Plans also include a café known as the Landing Pad where customers and families can take a break from browsing or a well-earned rest after securing a bargain. There will be indoor and outdoor seating and a small play area for children.

The success of the store is vital as the local air ambulance receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from the public and retail income to keep saving lives. It currently operates 56 shops but this latest venture will be the charity’s first-ever superstore.

“Shopping in a charity shop is experience shopping,” explained New Shops Development Manager for TAAS Kerry Martin. “Customers love the thrill of not knowing what they will find and we want to make that experience last longer by offering a wider choice, a fantastic and friendly environment, and by launching our own branded cafe.”

Work is currently underway to get the store ready for our grand opening early February.   Eleven new jobs will be created as well as many volunteering opportunities. The charity would like to hear from anyone interested in helping, simply email [email protected] or call 0300 3045 999 and specify Alfreton Superstore as the location for volunteering.

The charity also is due to open a donation station early next month to make it easy and quick for people to drop off donations and, once drivers are in place, TAAS will offer Free Furniture donation collection. People are still able to donate their furniture now and should call 07502 227805 for more information.