Lidl launch consultation ahead of new Marine Drive store

25th January 2021

Lidl GB has launched an online public consultation on plans for a new store in Southport.

The plans are for a new foodstore and parking that would occupy land off Marine Drive and Crossens Way. Part of the site would also be developed into eight small business units, with dedicated parking.

Lidl’s proposals for a modern, spacious supermarket could create around 30 new full and part-time jobs for the local area, and bring a second store to the seaside town.

The new Lidl store would have a 1,256 sqm sales area, and include an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 111 car parking spaces including disabled, parent & child spaces and rapid electric vehi-cle charging points.

The public are invited to comment on the proposals via a dedicated website marinedrive.expan-sion.lidl.co.uk and through a leaflet which is being delivered to properties in the area. Residents with questions about the proposals can also call Lidl’s consultation team directly on Freephone number 0800 089 0361.

Lidl’s Regional Head of Property, Stuart Jardine, commented: “Our existing Southport store is very popular and we have been looking for the right site to bring a second store to the town for some time. We are keen to engage with the local community and so we’re launching a ‘virtual’ public consultation in order to give everyone an opportunity to review our plans. We would encourage residents to provide their questions and comments via the project website or the consultation leaflet.”

A joint planning application has been submitted with Saltmarsh Estates, who wish to develop eight small business units on part of the site. The units would range in size from 114 to 234 sq m (gross) and have 38 dedicated parking spaces. The employment units will have their own access/egress junction and could create between 30 and 60 jobs, depending on the mix of occupiers.

Lidl has plans for significant investment in the area in the coming months, with ambitious expansion plans across Sefton, Liverpool and Wirral. The new supermarkets form part of the company’s £1.45bn investment in its expansion across Great Britain in 2019 and 2020.

Anybody unable to access the website or people wishing to find out more are encouraged to call 0800 089 0361 or email scott@royalpilgrim.com.