Plans for huge new Lidl revealed in a Wiltshire town

The German giant retailer revealed the new store off Eastern Way, Melksham on February 24 as it appeals for feedback from residents on the plans to help bring forward a supermarket suited to the community.

The proposals represent a multi-million-pound investment to replace the existing Lidl at Bath Road, enhancing the offering and facilities for Melksham residents.

The new store would have a sales area of over a third larger than the current store. Delivering even more of the discounter’s great value and high-quality products to households. Fan favourites, Middle of Lidl and the in-store bakery would still be available as well as customer toilets with baby changing facilities.

The Eastern Way Lidl store would also be designed to the discounter’s very latest format and high-specifications. Solar panels on the roof would help provide around 20 per cent of the store’s electricity and electric vehicle chargers will be provided for shoppers.

Customer parking provision would also be improved, including covered bicycle parking and dedicated accessible and parent-and-child parking bays. Landscaping proposals have also been developed including new tree and shrub planting across the site.

The new store would also improve facilities for colleagues and support the creation of around 10 additional jobs which, following the discounter’s latest announcement, would be the highest paying of any UK supermarket. Existing colleagues at Bath Road would be able to transfer to the new store once operational.

Where the proposed site would be located. (Image: Lidl GB)

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Glen Stidever, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We are proud to have been part of the Melksham community for many years. We have explored options for investing in our current Bath Road store which is constrained by its internal size, car park and configuration and efforts to incorporate our latest specification store have proven unviable.

"This proposed investment in a new and enhanced Lidl store reflects our ongoing commitment to provide an even better service to our customers and colleagues. Now, we want your feedback so we can help shape our plans to meet the needs for local residents.”

A website has been launched to gain feedback: https://melksham.newsite.lidl.co.uk/. A leaflet with freepost feedback form is also being distributed across Melksham to gather feedback and views.

From opening its first stores over 30 years ago, Lidl has now reached its 1,000th store milestone as its impressive growth continues. Reaching households from Dingwall in the highlands of Scotland to Penzance in Cornwall. Lidl stores across the country represent the positive impact the discounter delivers to communities.

Coined as ‘The Lidl effect’, the benefits of Lidl from its operations, investments and employment extend far beyond the basket such as the Lidl Feed it Back scheme and the Lidl Foodies Programme.

A free initiative representing an investment of over £650,000 from the discounter, Lidl Foodies provides teachers with resources to help children across the country develop a love for healthy eating.