LIDL Northern Ireland will officially open its new state-of-the-art concept store on Belfast's Shore Road on Thursday July 21 in a move which will add 13 new jobs to the existing workforce of 22.
It brings Lidl back to the prime retail site after nine months of construction work to create a new larger supermarket with glass-fronted glazing, landscaping, more car parking and improvements to its access from Shore Road.
The revamp represents an investment of £4 million by Lidl NI (www.lidl-ni.co.uk), and as well as the new in-store staff members, 200 other jobs were created during the development and construction phases, which are now almost complete.
Lidl NI regional director Conor Boyle said: “The opening of our new Shore Road store reflects Lidl our commitment to north Belfast and to continuing to serve a community which has shown extensive support for this highly-anticipated transformation project.
“As Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket, we’re delighted to advance our local and regional growth ambitions with significant new investment, employment opportunities and an enhanced shopping experience.”
Occupying a site of 10,250 sq metres, including a retail sales floor of 1,420 sq metres, the new store has been built to Lidl’s exacting standards and award-winning ‘concept’ design which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency with a range of environmentally-friendly features including an ISO 50001-certified Energy Management System.
The opening is part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s promise to invest £32 million in the Belfast City Region as part of its growth plan, and the Shore Road store opening will complement new stores completed or planned at Castlereagh Road, Hillview Retail Park on Crumlin Road, Boucher Road and Holywood Exchange.
Lidl, which has 41 stores in the north, contributes £180 million a year to the north's economy, while also buying and exporting as much as £290 million worth of local goods and products.
The company employs more than 1,000 employees across its 41-strong store network and Regional Distribution Centre at Nutts Corner near Antrim.
