Supermarket chain plans to open store in Bridport
CUT-PRICE supermarket chain Lidl is planning to open in Bridport - creating some 35 new jobs.
The German-owned company wants to build its food store next to builders' merchants Travis Perkins in St Andrew's Road. The new supermarket will be 1,063sqm - about 15 per cent smaller than Lidl's Weymouth store but slightly bigger than its shop in Chard.
The deal will enable Travis Perkins to replace its headquarters with up-to-date buildings and a new trade counter outlet, creating some five new jobs, bringing the total to around 30.
Lidl's development executive James Mitchell said plans were well advanced and the two companies hoped to submit a joint planning application before the end of April.
Meanwhile residents will have a chance to learn more about the scheme at a presentation in the Arts Centre next Saturday, April 5, from 9am-5pm.
Mr Mitchell said it would give locals the opportunity to discuss any aspect of the proposed development.
If there were elements which concerned a number of people he promised the company would take another look at these before submitting their application.
"The proposed site will be ideally situated to serve the needs of residents living in and around Bridport, bringing jobs and investment, as well as a much-needed alternative discount food store," he added.
"We have been looking to build a store in Bridport as part of our ongoing expansion programme throughout the UK.
"As result of the development there will be a net increase of 40 jobs for the combined scheme."
Lidl started in Germany in the 1930s, when Lidl and Schwarz Grocery Wholesale was founded. The first Lidl stores were opened in 1973 and by the 1980s Lidl was a household name throughout Germany. During the 1990s the company started to open shops outside Germany and today they have stores are in nearly every country in Europe.
Since coming to the UK in 1994, they have opened 450 stores.
A spokesman said: " Lidl takes pride in providing top quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout the country. Besides food we also have twice weekly special offers ranging from cycling gear to angling accessories and computers to barbecue specials."
6:34pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Dorset Guy, Bridport on 9:40pm Thu 27 Mar 08
This will keep the Town Councils Planning Ctte busy for an evening or 2
This will keep the Town Councils Planning Ctte busy for an evening or 2
Posted by: maximus, Weymouth on 10:47pm Thu 27 Mar 08
This can only be of benefit to Bridport, they often have some great bargains (and their chocolate is deeeelicious. I have no connection to Lidl but use their shop in Weymouth
This can only be of benefit to Bridport, they often have some great bargains (and their chocolate is deeeelicious. I have no connection to Lidl but use their shop in Weymouth
Posted by: Dorset Boy, Wilds of Dorset on 8:35am Fri 28 Mar 08
Virtually next door to the Co- Op store. Competition should be interesting.
Virtually next door to the Co- Op store. Competition should be interesting.
Posted by: Westie, West Dorset on 4:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Will be some competion for the Co-op, which will be practically nearby. if Lidl get the go ahead, will we see some alterations to the Sea Rd North/St Andrews Rd junction ? it really IS about time this junction was cotrolled by traffic lights OR a mini roundabout. my guess though, is that the St Andrews Rd Association will do their utmost to get this application turned down on the grounds of 'increased traffic'near the school. Its probably thanks to them we have those really silly speed humps near the school.
Will be some competion for the Co-op, which will be practically nearby. if Lidl get the go ahead, will we see some alterations to the Sea Rd North/St Andrews Rd junction ? it really IS about time this junction was cotrolled by traffic lights OR a mini roundabout. my guess though, is that the St Andrews Rd Association will do their utmost to get this application turned down on the grounds of 'increased traffic'near the school. Its probably thanks to them we have those really silly speed humps near the school.
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