Lidl in multi-million pound deal over Strabane Retail Park
LIDL looks set to open a new store and redevelop a Co Tyrone retail park after buying over the site which was on sale for more than £3m, it has emerged.
The German supermarket giant has bought over Strabane Retail Park, amid plans to launch a new store.
The site, which was developed in 2006, is fully let and includes businesses such as Argos, New Look, Peacocks and Menarys.
The outlet is based over 23,317 sq ft and has 110 car park spaces, and was on the market for offers over £3.29m.
It’s thought Lidl’s store plans include redeveloping an area behind the main retail park.
Lidl said its longer-term investment plans, which are expected to include the develop- ment of a new flagship Lidl store, will unlock the wider potential of the sites acquired and deliver sustainable, economic benefits to Strabane and the wider area.
Lidl NI director Conor Boyle said that Strabane was key to its strategic growth, investment and regeneration plans in Northern Ireland.
“We have been committed to the area since we opened our first store at Bradley Way and we’re excited about Strabane Retail Park’s inherent potential and its location to the town centre,” he said.
“Supported by a strong local and regional team, we’re confi- dent that investment plans and ambition for the site and the additional adjacent land, will stimulate further economic growth for local communities, the town and the area.”
CBRE represented Lidl in its acquisition of Strabane Retail Park.
The retail park, which was being marketed by CBRE, was put on the market in 2016, along with Laharna Retail Park in Larne.
The two shopping outlets had previously been owned by Co Tyrone pharmacist-turned-developer Peter Dolan, as part of his Jermon Ltd empire.
The Strabane Retail Park is located to the west of Strabane Shopping Centre.
Lidl employs more than 750 staff across 38 stores. It is the Northern Ireland’s fastest growing food retailer and is committed to supporting local communities, local producers and the environment.
The German giant launched its Community Works initiative and has raised thousands of pounds in funding and provided practical help to more than 700 community groups and charities including Mourne River Search and Rescue, New Horizons Partnership and Sure Start in Strabane.
Last year, Lidl NI embarked on a two year charity partnership with the NSPCC during which the company aims to raise £250,000.
The partnership will help the charity reach children in every primary school across Northern Ireland with its ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ programme.