DISCOUNT supermarket chain Lidl is in negotiations for a new store on the site of the former Pioneer store.
A leaked e-mail reveals the German firm is looking to invest £6m in the Peel Street site.
It also reveals the firm is seeking to invest between £20 and £25m in new store development around Barnsley, with a potential additional development of a 500,000 sq ft warehouse which would create a number of jobs.
No planning application has yet been submitted about the Pioneer site but the Chronicle understands Lidl is negotiating with the council about a scheme which would be acceptable to planners.
It is believed Lidl's plan may include demolition of the old building.
Opposition Coun Bill Gaunt said he would welcome the investment and the increased competition, but was concerned about what sort of building would replace it.
A council spokesman said: "We are always looking to attract investment into the town and work hard with interested parties to make this possible, and we will continue to work with Lidl in an effort to bring this to a mutually suitable conclusion."
The site is currently being run as a car park by Britannia Parking, who declined to comment, as did Lidl.
