Lidl to create 655 new jobs & open three new stores in L'Derry and Strabane
It is part of a £26 million pounds investment in the North West
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
Supermarket giant, Lidl, has announced it plans to build three more stores in the Londonderry and Strabane area.
The investment will cost £26 million pounds and will support at least 655 new jobs.
Where will the new stores be built?
Crescent Link Retail Park,
The new premises will create more than 55 new permanent retail jobs and support up to 600 more during the construction phases over the next three years.
The company has said it is paving the way for a local investment of £8 million pounds and the creation of at least 35 new in-store jobs.
Subject to final planning approval, construction is expected to commence in the coming months, with store opening expected by the end of 2021.
At the junction of the city’s Buncrana Road and Springtown Road
The new site is part of a new enhanced development and a relocation from its current base at 24 Buncrana Road.
Planning approval was granted in July last year to invest a further £8 million pounds in building the new 2,217 sq. metre store.
The project will create 10 new local jobs in the community when it opens in June 2021.
Construction is already underway, and a lane closure is currently in place on the Buncrana Road until May 10 to facilitate works.
Strabane Shopping Park
Plans have also been submitted for a new 2,300 sq. metre store in Strabane Shopping Park to replace the existing store at Bradley Way which was constructed in 2002.
This larger store represents an investment of nearly £10 million pounds and will create 10 additional new retail jobs.
The store is expected to open in 2024.
Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Director, Conor Boyle, has welcomed the news.
He said: "As Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket, we’re delighted to continue moving confidently forward with our long-established investment plans for the North West, bringing new employment opportunities to the local community as well as our fresh, high-quality products and market-leading value to more shoppers in the region for many years to come.
“We look forward to welcoming our loyal customers and new shoppers to these outstanding new, state-of-the-art stores when completed.”
Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, was briefed by Lidl Northern Ireland on its new regional plans and ambitions for the future:
She said : “As a key retailer and employer in Northern Ireland, I am delighted to hear of Lidl Northern Ireland’s latest plans to expand its store presence across the region, increase employment and invest in modern, sustainable new stores for the benefit of local communities and the environment.
“Following Lidl Northern Ireland’s announcement in November last year to open five new stores in the Greater Belfast region, it’s fantastic to see this continued momentum expand across the region to the Derry City and Strabane District Council area which continues to be a key economic hub. I wish all the team every success on its latest renewed growth and on delivering its plans for the future.”
The North West investment will see the retailer expand its presence across the region, with 42 stores open by the end of 2021.
Built with sustainability as a priority, both Derry stores will incorporate a range of environmentally friendly features including an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System and electric vehicle charger spaces, enabling customers to charge their electric vehicles for free whilst they shop.
The new locations are also set to have additional parking, higher ceilings, a more spacious interior layout, enlarged bakery areas and a Lidl To Go coffee machine.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, has also welcomed the announcement.
He said: “With renewed focus on economic recovery and growth, Lidl Northern Ireland’s latest investment in the region is much-welcomed and it confirms its longstanding commitment to the North West. Retail, along with other sectors, remains important to our growth.
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s new plans can only further assist in underlining the area’s attractiveness as a great place to live, to visit and to invest.”
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