Lidl and M&S on hook for 270,000 sq ft Formby commercial scheme
Sefton & Formby Developments has secured the signatures of the two well-known retailers as it progresses plans for a shopping and employment complex east of the Formby bypass.
M&S, Lidl, and Costa Coffee have all agreed to take space within the 270,000 sq ft scheme, known as the Point on 31 acres north of Formby Business Park.
M&S will relocate its existing Formby food store into a larger 16,000 sq ft outlet, while Lidl is a new entrant to the town and will also take a 16,000 sq ft unit. The project also features plans for a health facility.
The retail element will take up around a quarter of Sefton & Formby Developments’ scheme, while the remaining 75% will be given over to employment uses.
The developer has launched a consultation on the project, which it says could generate 1,000 jobs.
Have your say on the proposals
Peter Wilkinson, on behalf of Sefton & Formby Developments, said: “This site has been allocated by Sefton Council to provide modern, high-quality and much-needed employment space in Formby.
“It has long been recognised that new employment development is needed in the town to satisfy demand from established local businesses and to attract new companies to the area.”
Stuart Jardine, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said a discount supermarket would fill a gap in Formby’s retail scene.
“Not only would this [store] provide residents with access to our affordable high-quality products—especially when people across the country are seeking value—but also provide a significant boost to the local economy by creating new job opportunities for locals.”
M&S property director Will Smith explained the rationale behind its decision to relocate its Formby store from the Cloisters to the Point.
“We are rotating our store estate so that we have the best stores in the right place so our customers can shop when and how they want.
“Our proposals in Formby will enable customers to shop the full M&S range in a fresh market environment with fresh bakery, produce and flower shop as well as everyday staples and the quality and trusted value that they expect from M&S.”
A hybrid planning application will be submitted to Sefton Council in the coming weeks.
