LIDL remains “very much committed” to building a new store in Newcastle, the supermarket chain has confirmed. Speaking in the wake of the supermarket giant’s announcement for a multi-million pound investment in three stores elsewhere in the province, Lidl Northern Ireland said it looks forward to “providing the local community with an update” for the new store.
Currently operating from premises at Railway Street, and having done so since 2001, the former St Mary’s Girls’ Primary School site across town was purchased from the Parish of Maghera back in April 2016. The sale caused disappointment for those who saw the former school site, which backs on to Donard Park, as an ideal location for a state-of-the-art leisure centre for the town.
At the time of the land deal, and through an official statement, Lidl described its town centre site as ‘no longer suitable for our growing business needs’ and acknowledged its desire to ‘build a new concept store’ in Newcastle. It also stated that this replacement store ‘will accommodate our growing customer numbers and offer a superior shopping experience for the people who live in and around Newcastle, if permission is granted.’ Also, in an apparent nod to a proposal to facilitate a new base for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team within the grounds of the new store, the statement had acknowledged Lidl wanted ‘to develop plans that can incorporate facilities on the site which would benefit the local community.’
However, eight years on, and with no building work having started at the St Mary’s site, many locals have been left wondering what is happening regarding Lidl’s plans for a new store in Newcastle. In a statement issued this week, a spokesman for the company said: “Lidl Northern Ireland remains very much committed to creating a new state-of-the-art store in Newcastle and we’re continuing to progress required obligations and complete due diligence with an ambition to be on site at the earliest opportunity.” He added: “We look forward to providing the local community with an update on construction timescales, in line with our partners, as soon as possible.” Last week, Lidl Northern Ireland’s property director, Chris Speers, confirmed plans for three replacement stores – in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon.
