Business

Lidl secure permission for first South Belfast store despite objections from Tesco and IFA

An artistic impression of Lidl's new store on Belfast's Boucher Road.
An artistic impression of Lidl's new store on Belfast's Boucher Road. An artistic impression of Lidl's new store on Belfast's Boucher Road.

LIDL has secured planning permission to build its first supermarket in South Belfast despite objections from Tesco and the Irish Football Association (IFA).

Belfast City Council’s planning committee has signed off on the new 15,000 sq ft store on the Boucher Road, close to Windsor Park.

It comes two-and-a-half years after the retailer first entered the planning process.

The plans by the German discounter also include a 6,000 sq ft drive-thru café on the vacant site at the front of the Olympia Leisure Centre.

Despite the objections of the IFA and Tesco, the development won the support of the Blackstaff Residents Association and local politicians to cross the final planning hurdle at council.

The project is expected to involve an investment in the region of £7 million, creating 110 jobs in total – 35 in the supermarket and 75 in the café.

Lidl’s property director in the north, Chris Speers, said: “Boucher Road is a strategically important location for us, expanding our reach into the south Belfast area for the first time and bringing a multi-million pound investment and new jobs to the local area.

“A key commuter belt and prime retail shopping area, the new store at Boucher Road is well positioned to serve local residents, shoppers, commuters and visitors alike,” he added.

“We’re delighted to have received such warm support from the local community who have been prolific in their support of the build and recognise the benefits this will bring residents, providing a new shopping facility at a critical time of need.

“By expanding our footprint into south Belfast, we will be serving thousands of people in new communities in and around the city with the highest quality products at the best prices on the market.”