Lidl GB has submitted plans for its first ever store in Kirkby after agreeing a deal with Knowsley Council for the development at Telegraph Way.
Located in the town centre, Lidl is proposing a 2,709m2 building that will accommodate a Lidl foodstore and a second non-food retail unit that will be available for letting. The Lidl store will have a sales area of 1,527m2 featuring the discounter’s fan favourite in-store bakery as well as customer toilets. Outside, solar panels will be fitted on the roof to help power the Lidl store, and landscaping proposals will enhance the scheme with new tree and shrub planting across the site.
The store will be highly accessible with pathways and bus links all within a reasonable distance. Cycle parking is also provided close to the store entrance. Car parking for both new stores will also be provided on the adjoining Kirkby Town Centre short stay car park and the adjacent multi-storey car park off Hall Lane, which has recently benefitted from a £2.2m transformation. The Lidl proposal also provides six accessible parking spaces, nine Parent & Child spaces and motorcycle parking close to the store entrance on the short stay car park.
In a boost for the local economy, the multi-million-pound investment will also create around 40 new jobs through the new Lidl store, plus more jobs from the second unit once occupied. Following the discounter’s recent announcement, Lidl colleagues will receive £13.00 per hour national entry level pay, marking the discounter’s fifth pay rise in two years and bringing the business’ investment in pay to over £70m.
Stuart Jardine, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We are continuing to improve our offer to shoppers across Merseyside and are delighted to have submitted planning to deliver a new store in Kirkby. A store in this town centre location will offer access to our best value products, create jobs for the area, and reduce the need for shoppers to travel out of town. We look forward to receiving a planning decision in due course.”
Dale Milburn, Executive Director for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “I’m delighted that the next phase of retail in Kirkby town centre is progressing with Lidl submitting their planning application. This is another important milestone in our ambitions for the town. We know from our residents and visitors that they want more choice in terms of the retail offer, and this shows that we have listened and are committed to delivering a wider offer. We will continue to deliver our development plans for Kirkby, alongside the £19.5m Pride in Places funding we have secured for Kirkby which will address the local community’s priorities over the next ten years.”
You can view the planning application on the council’s planning portal at www.knowsley.gov.uk under reference 25/00627/FUL.