Business

Work starts on Lidl NI’s largest supermarket to date

Store relocation in Coleraine’s Riverside retail park will create 18 jobs as Lidl’s payroll hits 1,300

Building work has begun to create a brand new ‘Concept’ Lidl store in Coleraine as part of the retailer’s multi-million-pound plans to transform its retail estate across Northern Ireland
Building work is now under way to create a brand new ‘Concept’ Lidl store in Coleraine as part of multi-million pound plans to transform its retail estate across the north. Pictured (from left) are Eddie Murnin, associate director at GEDA Construction; Causeway Coast & Glens lord mayor Councillor Ciarán McQuillan; and Ivan Ryan, regional managing director at Lidl Northern Ireland (PHIL SMYTH PHOTO)

Building work has begun to create a brand new ‘Concept’ Lidl store in Coleraine as part of the retailer’s multi-million-pound plans to transform its retail estate across Northern Ireland.

At least 18 new jobs will be created as part of a multi-million-pound store investment, bringing the total team there to 40.

Another 200 jobs will come as part of the project, including in design, construction, landscaping and other services.

The new store is relocating from its existing site at Riverside retail park in the town, where it has been trading since 2005, to a larger site within the complex.

And at 2,475 square metres, including a 1,752 sq m sales floor, it will officially become the largest Lidl Northern Ireland store when it opens next spring.

Lidl plan to eventually expand its NI store network to 66.
Lidl continues to expand its store network in Northern Ireland

Following its modern ‘Concept’ design and sustainability standards, the new store will feature wider aisles and industry-leading energy efficiency systems.

Enhanced parking for 152 vehicles as well as two electric vehicle charging points will be included in the build.

The Coleraine store is the latest investment by Lidl NI in the northwest, complementing new store opening in recent years in Strabane, Ballymoney and Limavady.

Earlier this year, Lidl Northern Ireland marked its 25th anniversary, during which time it has pumped £360 million into the local economy and supported almost 6,900 jobs, including 1,300 direct employees.

It has also pledged an additional £150m for new store expansion as part of a commitment to grow its network to 50 stores by the end of the decade.

Lidl Northern Ireland regional managing director Ivan Ryan said: “We’re thrilled to be opening this new store in Coleraine marking another step forward in advancing our plans to bring our successful ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ proposition to even more shoppers, to enhance the shopping experience and to create new jobs and local investment.

“Our mission is to ensure we provide best value and choice, and the creation of this bright, new modern ‘Concept’ store will reflect our growth ambitions in the local area and right across the region.”