Whiteley could be a Lidl bigger with new supermarket

THE shopping experience in Whiteley could get a '˜Lidl' bit bigger after the discount supermarket unveiled plans to bring a new store to the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Dec 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 18:34 BST
A CGI of the proposed new store. This will be a similar design to the new store in PortchesterA CGI of the proposed new store. This will be a similar design to the new store in Portchester
A CGI of the proposed new store. This will be a similar design to the new store in Portchester

The shop is planned to be located just off Solent Way, near Solent Business Park close to the M27.

Lidl has exchanged contracts on the purchase of land for the new store with Allied Developments, which will be within one mile of the nearby Tesco store in Solent Way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If the supermarket gets planning permission to build on the site, it will be the third in the borough, complementing the recently opened shop in Portchester and the branch in Newgate Lane, Fareham.

The proposals have been giving the backing by Fareham Borough Council’s leader Councillor Sean Woodward.

He said: ‘I think it’s good to see that Lidl is looking to come to Whiteley as it will only add a more diverse shopping experience to the area.

‘I heard that Lidl was interested and I know that it will have the support of Fareham residents as it’s got a captive audience in the borough.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lidl’s plans for the 0.6-acre store include an in-store bakery.

Councillor Mike Evans, chairman of Whiteley Town Council said: ‘I’m sure that Whiteley residents will be happy with the idea of another supermarket.

‘However, as it will be right next to Junction 9 of the M27, I think this could have an effect on traffic and I’m not sure if it’s a great location.

‘For the time being, we will just have to wait and see for the full plans.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lidl’s UK regional property director Oliver McGuinness: ‘We are extremely excited at the prospect of opening a Lidl in Whiteley, which marks another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme.

‘We’ve seen incredible demand for Lidl stores across the country and look forward to welcoming anyone along to the public consultation day and showcasing our plans while answering any questions.’

Lidl is to hold a public consultation day with residents on December 15.

People are invited to attend the event at Forum 5 in Solent Business Park to attend the event and voice their thoughts on the plans for the new store.

A planning application for the proposals is set to be submitted to Winchester City Council in January next year.

The plan would take Lidl’s existing portfolio to 640 around the country.

Related topics:LidlWhiteleyM27PeopleFareham