Permission sought for possible £4m Omagh Lidl store

A PLANNING application has been submitted for a new £4 million Lidl store at James Street in Omagh.

The supermarket firm is proposing to demolish its existing premises in the area and also the former Annie’s Bar to make way for their new premises, complete with car parking and landscaping.

News of the major development was first revealed in the Tyrone Herald last September and now Lidl is seeking the green light from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for the project to go ahead.

It is expected that up to 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and that a further 15 permanent staff jobs will be created if and when the new store is completed. This will bring the total number of people employed by Lidl in Omagh to 39.

The proposed new store will be more than double the size of the existing premises and the plans also incorporate a 125-space car park with two electric vehicle charging points.

A spokesperson for Lidl said that they intended to build a new state-of-the-art store with a larger sales floor and warehouse and improved employee welfare facilities.

Local councillors and residents have also been informed of the plans.

Omagh town councillor, Barry McElduff, welcomed the application as a ‘significant vote of confidence in Omagh. But he also urged Lidl to ensure that the store is fully accessible for those with disabilities.

It is understood that, when complete, the new Lidl store will be one of its largest in the North.