Lidl has submitted planning applications for three new replacement stores in Craigavon, Bangor and Dungannon.
The German discounter has proposed switching its location in Craigavon to a new site next to the Rushmere Shopping Centre.
The proposal would see a new 27,000 sq ft supermarket built on site of the former Sainsbury’s fuel forecourt, between the roundabout and Primark’s new anchor store at Rushmere.
The Irish News first revealed in December how Lidl’s plans in Dungannon will involve building a new supermarket and café on a derelict site at Ann Street, which has been vacant for almost 40 years.
In Bangor, a new supermarket is proposed on a new site to the the west of the Bloomfield Shopping Centre, close to where its existing store is currently located.
It’s understood Lidl has acquired a small housing estate at Skipperstone Park, which it wants to demolish to make way for the new retail development.
It’s believed around 20 bungalows are earmarked for demolition, most of which are now unoccupied.
The retailer said the three new build stores will create another 50 jobs between the three sites, adding to the existing 60 staff.
The grocer said subject to planning, all three will open during 2025.
Lidl currently employs around 1,300 people across its Northern Ireland operation, which includes 41 stores and its regional distribution centre at Nutts Corner.
The new builds are part of Lidl’s ongoing store replacement programme, which will also see its Cookstown store replaced with a new £7 million supermarket on Orritor Road.
The Molesworth Street store, which opened in 1999, was Lidl’s first retail outlet on the island of Ireland.
- Lidl bought Bangor housing estate in bid to secure new site in Co DownOpens in new window
- Lidl set to regenerate Ann Street site in Dungannon after decades of derelictionOpens in new window
- Lidl to replace its oldest store on the island of Ireland with £7m new buildOpens in new window
- Lidl to target smaller towns under plans for 25 new stores in Northern IrelandOpens in new window
Lidl also opened an £8m replacement store in Strabane during December, while a replacement store is due to be built at Coleraine’s Riverside Retail Park.
The German discounter is also eyeing new locations.
Work is ongoing at a new development in Carryduff, while new supermarkets at Sprucefield and Belfast’s Boucher Road are also in the works.
Lidl Northern Ireland Property Director, Chris Speers, said: “Alongside our ambitious expansion plans in the region, we are focused on upgrading our existing store network to bring older stores in line with our industry leading, sustainably focused ‘concept’ design.
“I am delighted to confirm new plans to relocate and upgrade our stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, where we have served local communities for more than two decades.
“These proposed new stores are important for us, and we hope that new and existing customers are as excited as we are by our plans for significant local investment in our local communities.”
Lidl’s plans will be put on public display in their existing stores in the coming weeks.
The first is in Dungannon on Tuesday February 13 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, in Bangor on Tuesday March 19 at 4.30pm to 6.30pm and in Craigavon on Monday April 8 from 3pm to 6pm.
