Supermarket giant Lidl has announced plans for a new multi-million pound store in Spalding – creating up to 40 new jobs.
The German company already has a store in the town, but is aiming to completely redevelop the site of the former Welland Hospital.
The company describes the development as a “sustainable” store with 1,331msq of sales area.
It will be retaining the existing store in the town.
With an in-store bakery and longer-style tills with dual packing, the new store in Roman Bank will also boast parking for both cars and bicycles.
“We have received an incredible amount of support from the local community and are delighted to announce that we have submitted a planning application to South Holland District Council,” said Colin Rimmer, regional head of property at Lidl.
“If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens. We look forward to receiving the decision in due course,” he added.
The new store would have a glass-fronted facade and will also include customer toilet facilities along with a baby changing area.
The news comes as the town’s Aldi store remains closed while it undergoes a makeover ahead of re-opening.
It was given permission last year to demolish three small shops on Winsover Road to extend and modernise the store.
Lidl, almost opposite with a current store at the Winsover Centre, has around 650 stores in the UK. It opened its first store in Germany in 1973 with three people.
The former Welland hospital closed to patients in 2009 and the building was demolished in 2011.
The supermarket plan follows the green-lit expansion of the power station – due to start at the end of the year – and the new Gateway services site, which is set to expand.
“Further construction is already taking place on the site and it is hoped that business and office facilities will be set to open at the site soon, so development is already benefitting residents and visitors to the area,” said Coun Nick Worth, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Growth and Commercialisation.
“One of the council’s main priorities is to encourage the local economy to be vibrant with continued growth and these projects are just two examples of how we are actively working with businesses and partners to help achieve this.”
