St. Modwen has submitted a planning application for a new 1,269 sq m store in Skelmersdale which will be operated by supermarket giant Lidl.
This signifies a major step forward as St. Modwen and West Lancashire Borough Council move ahead with plans to regenerate the town centre.
The food store will be located at the heart of the regeneration project representing a multi-million-pound investment in the town. The supermarket will feature facilities including an in-store bakery and car parking spaces for customers.
St. Modwen, the expert developer and regeneration specialist, is working in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council and Homes England to deliver the regeneration scheme in Skelmersdale Town Centre.
The announcement follows the news released this summer that the Council agreed to secure the funding to deliver the £19 million first phase of the development proposals, turning the long awaited regeneration plans into a reality.
Paul Batho, Development Director, St. Modwen said: “It is really positive news that we can announce that a planning application has been submitted for Lidl which will become the food retail anchor for the development.
“Lidl will play a major part in the successful redevelopment of Skelmersdale town centre. This is the start of a long anticipated regeneration programme and we are pleased to be bringing this national retailer to town.”
John Harrison, Director of Development and Regeneration at West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “This news shows how the exciting regeneration scheme is moving forward and shows how progress is being made on delivering a scheme in the town centre that will be of benefit to the people of Skelmersdale.”
There is an increasing demand for Lidl stores across the country and the operation in Skelmersdale will be one of over 700 within an ever-growing portfolio.
Lidl UK’s Regional Head of Property, Stuart Jardine said: “We are pleased to be moving ahead with this store, which marks another milestone in our ambitious store expansion programme.
“We’ve seen significant demand for Lidl stores across the country and look forward to offering our quality products and incredible value to shoppers in and around Skelmersdale.”
Lidl will also join popular discount store B&M who will also open a 20,000 sq ft unit in the town centre.
Plans for the redevelopment include extensive improvements to the public realm, a new pedestrian link between the college and the Concourse Shopping Centre, as well as enhancements to the public areas outside the library and Nye Bevan Pool.
