Lidl to build new £6m Carryduff superstore

Lidl to build new £6m Carryduff superstore

7 July 2021

LIDL is to build a new £6m supermarket as part of a major investment proposal at the Carryduff Shopping Centre.

The company’s proposal — which forms part of a £10m investment initiative at the Church Road site —  will create 35 new jobs with the ultra-modern proposal featuring car parking for 200 vehicles.

A formal planning application to build the new 1,420 square metre store has been submitted to Lisburn and Castlereagh Council.

In addition to the new jobs created by the Lidl proposal, it is anticipated that the redeveloped shopping centre will create an additional 100 jobs via other businesses, with the multi-million investment expected to support 250 jobs in the building industry during construction work.

In addition to the Lidl store, an additional 1,730 square metres of floorspace is available for other retailers at the expansive centre site.

Construction plans for the store encompass Lidl Northern Ireland’s bold ‘concept’ design which prioritises sustainability, spacious, wide aisles, long tills, restrooms, employee and baby-changing facilities which will dramatically enhance a high-quality shopping experience. 

And customers can also avail of a redeveloped and landscaped car park, complete with two electric vehicle charging points.

The shopping centre was a prime retail destination for many years, but since the closure of its flagship Supervalu store in 2013, it struggled to attract an anchor tenant that would drive its growth.

The formal planning application by Lidl follows an extensive local consultation of the plans undertaken in February which was positively received by local representatives and the wider community.

As part of the community consultation, Lidl has confirmed that the site’s century-old, iconic Belfast & District Water Commissioners red gate will be retained in homage to the centre’s local history.

Lidl NI’s property executive, Chris Speers, said the company was pleased to progress plans for the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the Carryduff centre following a “very positive” consultation with the local community. 

He continued: “Carryduff is a thriving and vibrant area and it is clear that residents want to see the centre transformed into a contemporary space that will attract further investment and footfall.

“Our ambitious plans to complement the site with additional retail and leisure units represent an investment of more than £10m into the area and the support of more than 300 jobs.”

Mr Speers said Lidl was proud to be part of the centre’s significant regeneration and bring a new future of growth to the locality whilst honouring the site’s historical connections to the community.

Lidl acquired the 4.5 acre Carryduff shopping centre site in August last year as part of the retailer’s ambitious plans to expand its presence across the region to more than 50 stores by the end of the decade.

Mr Speers added: “We hope to receive planning permission for the site in the coming weeks and we look forward to opening the brand new, state-of-the-art Lidl store early next year, bringing shoppers even more choice of quality products at unbeatable value.”