Lidl a step closer for town as plan put in
PLANS to build a Lidl supermarket in Skelmersdale moved a step closer after working on a new town centre submitted official plans.
St Modwen has now submitted a planning application for a 1,269 sq m (13,660 sq ft) store for the German retailer, four months after announcing it would be a key part of the town’s redevelopment.
It comes after West Lancashire Borough Council committed £19m to the first phase of ambitious plans to redevelop and revitalise Skelmersdale.
Discount chain B&M Bargains has also been signed up to the development and plans to open a 1,860 sq m (20,000 sq ft ) store.
Plans for the redevelopment include extensive improvements, including 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.
St Modwen, which describes itself as an expert developer and regeneration specialist, is working in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council and Homes England to deliver the regeneration scheme.
Paul Batho, St Modwen’s development director, 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.”
Lidl UK’s regional head of property, Stuart Jardine, added: “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.”