New Lidl could replace former Matalan site in Portsmouth
Lidl plans fifth Portsmouth store creating up to 40 jobs
A new Lidl supermarket could replace the former Matalan site in Portsmouth’s city centre following a planning application.
The supermarket chain today confirmed to local media that it intends to open a new store in Station Street, near Portsmouth and Southsea railway station.
Lidl GB said up to 40 new jobs would be created if Portsmouth City Council approves the plans, making it the company’s fifth store in the city.
Lidl said the proposal would “transform” the “vacant unit” on the former Matalan site, which closed in 2023 after relocating to a new site at The Pompey Centre.
The plans include a “modern supermarket with a 1,470 sqm sales area featuring the discounter’s popular in-store bakery and the much-loved Middle of Lidl aisle”.
“Outside, there’ll be plenty of customer parking with dedicated accessible and parent-and-child spaces.”
The company added that the building would include heat recovery systems, air source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof, which would generate around 20 per cent of the store’s electricity requirements.
Oliver Loach, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re proud to already serve hundreds of households across Portsmouth, but we know there are still so many crying out for better access to our great value and affordable prices. At Lidl we don’t just build supermarkets; we invest in the future of the local economy.
“The new site will improve shopping choice and importantly, create new high quality jobs. The final decision now rests with the Council, and we encourage residents to share their views throughout the planning process to help secure the supermarkets they need.”
Lidl currently has four other stores in the city in Fratton, Copnor, North End and Hilsea.
The former Matalan site was previously at the centre of disappointment for the city when His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs pulled out of plans to build a £45m office on the car park.
HMRC announced the decision in September last year, stating it had been unable to negotiate with the developer to “provide value for money for the taxpayers”. Instead it has chosen to remain at its current home at Lynx House in Cosham.
Residents can view and comment on the Lidl application, which currently has no documents listed, by searching the Portsmouth City Council planning portal using reference 26/00596/FUL.