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Lidl Accelerates UK Openings as NI £500m Expansion Awaits Planning Decision

Officials say the long-delayed Derry application is in final consideration, a key step for Lidl’s plan to grow to more than 60 Northern Ireland stores by 2032.

Overview

  • Lidl says its Northern Ireland growth to at least 60 stores by 2032 is contingent on planning approval, highlighting a Derry proposal stuck in the system for more than six years.
  • KPMG’s study presented at Stormont projects the NI expansion would add about £475m a year in GVA once operational, with construction in 2026–2031 supporting around £281m GVA and roughly 2,966 job‑years.
  • From 2032, the expanded NI network is expected to support about 2,372 jobs annually, taking Lidl’s total annual contribution to the region to more than £835m, according to the report.
  • The Department for Infrastructure says the Crescent Link Retail Park application is in its final stages and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.
  • Lidl GB opens five English stores on Feb 19 in Chester, Calne, Dereham, Havant and London’s Stamford Hill, part of 19 UK launches over eight weeks creating up to 640 jobs and a refurbishment programme for 70+ stores that includes the Feed it Back donation scheme.