Supermarket chain Lidl submits plans for another multi-million pound Liverpool city region outlet that will create 40 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Supermarket chain Lidl is to build its first ever store in Kirkby town centre.
Creating 40 new jobs, this multi-million-pound investment will see the construction of a 29,000 sq ft building in Telegraph Way. This will include the Lidl outlet and a second retail unit that will be available for letting.
In September Lidl announced plans for two new Liverpool stores – one on the site of the former Taskers outlet in Wavertree in south Liverpool and another in Storrington Avenue in Croxteth in the north of the city. These would see a total of 80 new jobs.
In Kirkby the new supermarket will offer a sales area of more than 16,000 sq ft with an in-store bakery. Solar panels will be fitted on the roof and landscaping proposals will enhance the scheme with new tree and shrub planting across the site.
Cycle parking is also provided close to the store entrance. Car parking for both new stores will also be provided on the adjoining Kirkby Town Centre short stay car park and the adjacent multi-storey car park off Hall Lane.
The Lidl proposal also provides six accessible parking spaces, nine parent and child spaces and motorcycle parking close to the store entrance on the short stay car park.
In a boost for the local economy, the multi-million-pound investment will also create around 40 new jobs through the new Lidl store, plus more jobs from the second unit once occupied. Entry level pay for new employees will be £13 an hour.
Stuart Jardine, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We are continuing to improve our offer to shoppers across Merseyside and are delighted to have submitted planning to deliver a new store in Kirkby.
“A store in this town centre location will offer access to our best value products, create jobs for the area, and reduce the need for shoppers to travel out of town. We look forward to receiving a planning decision in due course.”
Dale Milburn, executive director for regeneration and economic development at Knowsley Council, added: “This is another important milestone in our ambitions for the town.
“We know from our residents and visitors that they want more choice in terms of the retail offer, and this shows that we have listened and are committed to delivering a wider offer.
“We will continue to deliver our development plans for Kirkby, alongside the £19.5m Pride in Places funding we have secured for Kirkby which will address the local community’s priorities over the next 10 years.”