Lidl store plans gets go-ahead

PLANS for a new flagship Lidl store in Strabane have been given the go-ahead by planners at a meeting of council today.

The plans include a proposal to entirely redevelop Strabane Shopping Park on Branch Road.

First revealed by this newspaper in 2018, the total investment by the German retailer is believed to be around £6million. This includes the purchase of the 3.7 acre Strabane Shopping Park, the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of the new superstore, which measures over 2,000 square metres. Built in 2006, the retail park is currently occupied by Argos, Menary’s, New Look and Peacocks.

Jobs

Lidl previously confirmed that the new development would see the creation of ten new jobs, in addition to the 19 posts already in existence at the current Bradley Way store. The company said that it is looking to “unlock the wider potential of the sites acquired.”

Lidl NI director Conor Boyle said at the time that Strabane was key to its strategic growth, investment and regeneration plans in Northern Ireland.

“Supported by a strong local and regional team, we’re confident that investment plans and ambitions for the site, and the additional adjacent land, will stimulate further economic growth for local communities, the town and the area,” he said.

Employing more than 750 staff across 38 stores, Lidl is Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing food retailer and it says it is staunchly committed to supporting local communities, local producers and the environment.