Lidl makes Oldham moves

Developer Langtree and Oldham Council have sold a two-acre plot at Hollinwood Junction to the discount supermarket, which has plans to build a 14,300 sq ft store.

Lidl is set to begin a public consultation soon for the proposed store and associated parking. The retails aims to submit a formal planning application later this quarter.

Baker Proudlove acted for Langtree and Oldham Council on the land deal. The sale of the land depends on Lidl’s ability to secure planning permission.

Hollinwood Junction is a £40m scheme from Oldham and Langtree sitting on the 30-acre former Kaskenmoor School site off the M60. Oldham Council and Langtree have already secured planning permission for 192,000 sq ft of industrial and trade units in November.

Later phases of Hollinwood Junction are set to include up to 150 homes, as well as space for retail and leisure.

The Lidl sale, coupled with the already existing industrial planning permission, completes the employment aspect of Hollinwood Junction, according to Langtree senior development manager Josh Downes.

Downes said: “Whilst Lidl progress [its] plans, we will be pushing on with preparation for the delivery of the new industrial units, putting the final pieces in place for the employment-generating aspects of the investment.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, welcomed the Lidl news for helping the local economy.

“Our investment in developing Hollinwood Junction has brought quality new jobs and businesses to the area,” she said.

“It’s fantastic that the final piece of the employment site is concluding with another major development.”

The Hollinwood Junction Lidl sees the discount retailer make a second try for a new prominent development in the borough. Last year, proposals for a Lidl at Princes Gate, by the Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop, were abandoned after the supermarket could not agree a deal with the hotel operator it was meant to share the site with. There are currently two Lidls in Oldham.