A new Lidl store creating up to 40 jobs is set to be built on the former Arrow Valley Health Club site on Battens Drive by Woodbourne Group.
The proposal by the Birmingham-based developer and investor has been agreed in principle by the planning committee of Redditch Borough Council which passed a resolution to grant permission, subject to conditions and the resolution of a Section 106 agreement, at its meeting on Wednesday 25 November.
Work on the site is set to start in 2021 with a ten month build programme envisaged.
Tani Dulay, chief executive of Woodbourne Group, said: “We look forward to working with Redditch Borough Council and Lidl U.K. GMBH to invest over £2.5 million into the local economy by reinvigorating this site.
“The store will create a welcome number of jobs and bring Lidl’s award-winning produce at affordable prices to everyone within the community.”
He added that the plans would also significantly enhance the local built environment with extensive landscaping designed to complement Arrow Valley Park.
Nick Hardy, a principal in the planning, development and regeneration team at real estate consultancy Avison Young, advised Woodbourne Group on its application.
He said: “The development will provide a modern, well designed and managed building which will improve the appearance of the site and extend customer choice. Woodbourne Group has taken a bespoke approach to the development with provision for extra planting and landscaping.
“In addition, the proposals include a signal controlled pedestrian crossing and bus stops on Battens Drive which will benefit users of Arrow Valley Country Park, and local residents, as well as the foodstore.”
He added they had welcomed the appointment by Redditch Borough Council of retail experts Lambert Smith Hampton to produce an independent report.
“The application raised some complex planning policy issues and we are pleased to note the conclusion that the proposal will provide more choice for residents but will not undermine the local authority’s objectives for the regeneration of Redditch town centre.”
The club opened as Arrow Valley Country Club in the 1980s and was a popular squash and fitness club. It was taken over by Arrow Valley Health Club Ltd in 2014 but earlier this year closed as one of the commercial victims of Covid-19.