LIDL has said the opening of its first supermarket in Carryduff represents the first phase of its £9 million investment plan for the Co Down town.
The new store, which opened at the Carryduff Shopping Centre site on Thursday, has created 35 new jobs.
It takes Lidl’s northern store network to 43.
Originally built in 1985, Carryduff Shopping Centre has been vacant for around eight years.
The site on Church Road suffered a major hit in 2013 when it lost Supervalu as its anchor tenant.
Smaller outlets subsequently left the site as footfall dwindled, with the last business closing up in 2016.
Lidl later bought the site in August 2020.
In an unusual move, the German retailer has turned developer, with plans to build additional units at the retail hub.
Lidl said its total investment in the site will be around £9m.
Alongside its own modern concept store, four additional units are being planned, as well as a new drive-through restaurant or coffee business.
“We’ve been incredibly excited to open our new store in Carryduff, which marks a significant milestone in our growth and expansion plans, as the 43rd Lidl store in Northern Ireland,” said Ivan Ryan, managing director for Lidl’s northern business.
“It will also be a game changer for the local community as the first phase in the redevelopment of the former Carryduff Shopping Centre site.
“This new store will play a key role in the local community, offering new and existing customers access to Lidl’s high-quality products at affordable prices, just in time for the festive season.
“The excitement and support we’ve seen from the residents of Carryduff, stakeholders, as well as other businesses in the area has been fantastic,” he added.
“As we cut the ribbon on our final new store of 2024, we look forward to continuing our growth and investment in Northern Ireland, with more to come in 2025.”
