NI Town Welcomes New Lidl Store Following Planning Approval
In a significant move marking its 25th year of operations in Northern Ireland, Lidl has been granted planning permission for a new store in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. This development is set to transform a currently disused site into a modern shopping destination, contributing to the local economy and enhancing the retail landscape of the town.
The site, positioned off Burn Road and Orritor Road, had been lying vacant for some time. With this new project, spearheaded by MBA Planning on behalf of Lidl NI, the area is poised for revitalization. Cookstown, playing a pivotal role in Lidl’s expansion, was home to the retailer’s first Northern Irish store back in 1999. Now, nearly a quarter of a century later, the town is set to witness the launch of a state-of-the-art Lidl outlet, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth and development within the region.
The comprehensive redevelopment plans include not only the construction of the Lidl store but also the provision of ample car parking, landscaping, and associated site works. The chosen location is more than just a vacant plot; it previously housed the former Tesco retail unit alongside the Cookstown Tyre Depot. Additionally, a couple of semi-detached dwellings near the site are also part of the redevelopment scope. The initiative will see the demolition of the existing structures to pave the way for the new supermarket, its car parking facilities, and an access road linking to the Orritor Road mini-roundabout.
The architectural design of the forthcoming Lidl store aligns with the aesthetics of contemporary retail units, featuring a large glass frontage, silver cladding, and rendered walls. Standing approximately 7 meters at its zenith, the design ensures the building harmonizes with the surrounding commercial structures, including the nearby Tesco and M&S stores, which share a similar design ethos.
This exciting development is part of a broader £150m investment strategy by Lidl in Northern Ireland, promising the inauguration of four new stores across the region over the next three years. Alongside the Cookstown project, plans for new outlets in Carryduff and Boucher Road are advancing, with doors set to open imminently. Further applications for stores in Bangor, Dungannon, Craigavon, and Coleraine are in the pipeline, emphasizing Lidl’s ambition to cement its retail footprint across Northern Ireland.
JP Scally, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland and NI, expressed pride in the company’s journey over the past 25 years. The decision to expand further into Northern Ireland reflects the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality produce at competitive prices, while also adhering to sustainable practices. “It gives us real confidence to have grown our market share significantly in the past five years. I’m very proud of the impacts we have delivered for the wider Northern Ireland economy and for our customers, who continue to choose Lidl NI,” Scally commented.
The announcement of the new Lidl store in Cookstown not only marks a milestone for the company but also represents a boon for the local community, promising job creation, enhanced retail offerings, and a boost to the area’s economic development. As the project moves forward, Cookstown looks forward to reaping the benefits of this significant investment.
