Lidl announces plans to open hundreds of new stores - supermarket to create thousands of new jobs

It follows the discount supermarket making a substantial investment in its infrastructure, including opening its largest global warehouse in Luton, London.

Lidl will open new stores in Bristol, Birmingham and Berwick, Scotland, in the coming months.

In London, where Lidl is now the third largest supermarket, new stores will open in Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton and Canning Town.

Lidl has announced an updated list of locations where it would potentially like to open new stores.

​The supermarket chain is hoping to grow its presence in cities such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and London.

It is also eyeing towns such as Woking, Wadebridge, Dumfries and Didcot.

Richard Taylor, Lidl GB Chief Development Officer, said: “Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we're proud to have achieved record market share this month.

"We have also been the fastest-growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.

"With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.

“As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever.

"We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.

"This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion.

"As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.”

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Lidl is offering a finders' fee of either 1.5 per cent of the total freehold purchase price, or 10 per cent of the first year's rent for leaseholds, which would equate to £22.500 for a completed £1.5million site purchase.

The firm is specifically seeking sites in prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow.

The discounter is looking for at least 1.5 acres for a standalone store and up to four acres for mixed-use schemes.

Sites would need to allow for unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 square feet and more than 100 dedicated car parking spaces.