Business

Lidl to launch Omagh rebuild project as ground in broken in Castlereagh

Chris Speers (left) in Castlereagh with Gerard McCleland, chief executive of building firm Ganson.
Chris Speers (left) in Castlereagh with Gerard McCleland, chief executive of building firm Ganson. Chris Speers (left) in Castlereagh with Gerard McCleland, chief executive of building firm Ganson.

LIDL will close its Omagh store in coming days as part of a major demolition and rebuild project in the Co Tyrone market town.

The German supermarket chain said work will begin immediately when the store closes on March 19, with the new £4 million concept store expected to be open by the Autumn of 2022.

The new-build supermarket, which will include a large on site warehouse, will create another 15 retail jobs when complete.

Lidl’s regional property executive, Chris Speers, said the new Omagh store will be larger and include electric vehicle charging points.

“Located near the A5 commuter corridor, Omagh is a busy site and I’m thrilled to confirm construction will commence in the coming weeks to deliver a brand-new store by Autumn for local shoppers,” he said.

It comes as ground is broken at the former Hughes Christensen site in east Belfast for a new Lidl store on Castlereagh Road.

The £8m project is a joint venture with south Derry developer Heron Brothers.

A number of new standalone commercial units are also set to be developed b the construction firm.

Lidl said 10 new permanent jobs will be created in its new modern store, which will replace its existing supermarket on the junction of Castlereagh and Montgomery Road.

Construction work at the site, which is also home to a Lynas food outlet, is expected to last up to six months.

Lidl said the project is part of a £32m investment programme in the Greater Belfast area.

Chris Speers said the Castlereagh store, which was built almost 20 years ago, was one of Lidl’s first in the north.

“It’s a key site for us, strategically positioned within a busy commercial hub close to Belfast city centre and serving a thriving community,” he said.

“I’m delighted to confirm that we are now underway with construction at the site to build an expanded, modern new store.”