Northern Ireland

Lidl launches bid for new £6m store in Coleraine

Lidl's current store at Riverside Retail Park in Coleraine. Image: Google Maps
Lidl's current store at Riverside Retail Park in Coleraine. Image: Google Maps Lidl's current store at Riverside Retail Park in Coleraine. Image: Google Maps

Supermarket chain Lidl has lodged a planning application with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council with proposals to relocate and build a new store at the Riverside Retail Park in Coleraine.

The £6 million investment by the German retail chain will bring an additional 18 new jobs to the rerail park, with around 200 involved in the development and construction phase.

It comes as Lidl this week announced plans to create another 130 jobs across its Northern Ireland operation during 2022. The retailer currently has 41 stores, with a major distrubtion hub at Nutts Corner in Co Antrim.

But while it is investing in new sites, the supermarket chain has prioritised rebuilding many of its older and most popular stores.

Confirming the Coleraine application, a spokesperson for the retailer said:  “Lidl Northern Ireland has this week submitted a proposal of  application notice (PAN) to Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council to relocate its existing store within the Riverside Regional Centre to an adjacent unit within the centre.

“Representing an investment of £6 million, the expanded new store will be built to Lidl’s established concept design which prioritises sustainability and will create 18 permanent new retail jobs, adding to its 22-strong team, supporting a further 200 jobs through the development and construction phase.'

Proposed Lidl Site Plan
Proposed Lidl Site Plan Proposed Lidl Site Plan

“As part of the application to relocate the existing Lidl store and demolish the vacant retail warehouse on the new site, the bulky goods retail use will be transferred to the existing Lidl building which will be sub divided into two units to accommodate this and a storage or trade counter unit.”

The proposals involve the demolition of the existing retail warehouse at unit 17 (beside Poundstretcher) and the erection of a discount food store, car parking and landscaping on the site and adjoining vacant land at the retail park.  

 Two major retailers have previously failed in planning proposals lodged in respect of the same site. 

In 2015, Home Bargains was refused permission to use unit 17 for the sale of convenience and comparison goods.

Planning officials at the time cited 'suitable alternative sites' in Coleraine town centre.

In January 2021 the council's planning committee refused an application for an operator, thought to be discount retailer The Range. 

An appeal lodged with the Planning Appeals Commission, was subsequently withdrawn in December 2021.

Unit 17 at the retail park, which is the focus of Lidl's new planning application.
Unit 17 at the retail park, which is the focus of Lidl's new planning application. Unit 17 at the retail park, which is the focus of Lidl's new planning application.