A FORMER Lidl supermarket in Portadown looks set to be redeveloped into a new research and development (R&D) headquarters for Irwin Mechanical and Electrical.
The company, which is currently based at Carn Industrial Estate, has secured planning approval for a new office base on the Armagh Road.
The former retail store was placed on the market with a £650,000 price tag in June 2021, following Lidl’s move to its new modern store on Portadown High Street.
Irwin M&E, who specialise in mechanical and electrical installation and maintenance projects, submitted its planning application in June 2022.
The company, which also has satellite offices in Mallusk and Derry, said its existing headquarters at Carn is too small.
In a report supporting its application, the firm said: “The rented, light industrial unit at Carn does not have sufficient office, research and development, and storage space and is restricting company growth and development activities.”
Alongside a change of use to offices, Irwin M&E has been granted permission for a new mezzanine floor and ground floor front extension, alongside new ancillary storage and warehousing.
In total, the two floor R&D building will total just under 18,000 sq ft.
Industry monitor Construction Information Services Ireland, estimate the project at just under £600,000.
