Lidl at the double with new store starts

The German-owned grocer is set to begin construction of its first store in Kirkby, having also this month put in motion the redevelopment of a former bus depot in Rusholme, South Manchester.

Lidl will build a 16.312 sq ft store on a former car park off Telegraph Way, Kirkby. The firm said the store will answer significant local demand for more retail choice locally – its closest stores are currently at Maghull and Fazakerley.

From Monday 1 June, pedestrian diversions will be put in place and anyone currently using the site to park will be directed to the adjacent, recently refurbished multi storey car park, or the short stay Kirkby Town Centre facility.

Marking the second phase of Knowsley Council’s retail town centre regeneration, the development sits next to the recently completed first phase consisting of a 94,000 sq ft fully occupied retail development. A second 5,100 sq ft retail unit will also be built alongside Lidl.

Stuart Jardine, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to break ground in Kirkby. The area has long been a top priority location for Lidl and we know that like us, residents have eagerly awaited this moment.

“The new store will greatly enhance the offer to shoppers here delivering not just great value at low prices but also new jobs, all while removing the added cost of having to travel out of town. We look forward to keeping the community updated as construction progresses”.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, added: “We know from the feedback we’ve received from our residents and visitors to the town that they want more choice. We have listened and we have progressed with the second phase of modern retail in the town centre.”

The Rusholme store, close to the famous Curry Mile in the inner south Manchester district, will have a slightly smaller sales area, of around 13,500 sq ft.

With work starting this month, completion is expected just before Christmas as the 1.6-acre brownfield plot, formerly home to bus company Finglands, is redeveloped with Lidl adding to its store opposite Whitworth Park.

Jardine said: “We’ve seen demand for our best value products continue to grow across Rusholme, and are thrilled to finally break ground on our second store for the area.

“Covering one end of the Curry Mile to the other, we’re excited to transform this plot into a vibrant new space and can’t wait to welcome shoppers through our doors in time for Christmas.”

Now trading in the UK for 32 years, Lidl GB has grown to boast more than 35,000 employees, over 1,000 stores and 13 distribution centres. The business is part of the Schwarz Group, a global retail behemoth with annual revenue of €167.3bn in 2024.