New Lidl store at Christchurch Retail Park set to bring 40 new jobs

DISCOUNT supermarket chain Lidl has promised to create around 40 new jobs as it prepares to move into a retail unit also used by a major DIY store on a Christchurch shopping estate.

Following the downsizing of the Homebase branch at Christchurch Retail Park, off Bailey Drive, Lidl now occupies about a third of the building and final interior works are expected to take three months.

Set to open in the summer once the “fit out” work with construction firm Wright Morgan is completed, this will be Christchurch’s second Lidl store, joining the one based in Somerford Road.

The development – granted permission by BCP Council in May 2020 – will have a sales area of 1,103 square metres with facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilets and parking.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, James Mitchell, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now in a position to start the fit out works.

“We are extremely grateful for all the support that we have received so far and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we enter this next phase of the development.”