Lidl on Shirley High Street opening date revealed

Lidl has confirmed that its store on Shirley High Street will be opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8am on February 20.

Customers are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and will be offered the chance to sample some of Lidl’s award winning products throughout the day, along with exclusive deals and offers on selected products for the first week of opening.

These include a 102 piece tool kit (£29.99, RRP £49.99) from Thursday, February 20, a mixer tap (£12.99, RRP £24.99) from Friday, February 21 and a nicer dicer fusion (£16.99, RRP £29.99) from Saturday, February 22.

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans in the UK which will see it open up to 50 new stores a year.

The sales area of the supermarket has increased in size to 1401m² and facilities including a bakery, customer toilets, baby changing and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

Up to 20 new jobs have also been created for the local community.

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, James Mitchell, said: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in improving our Lidl store in Southampton.

"It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community once again.”

Plans were given the go-ahead by Southampton City Council in July despite rebuffing previous proposals just four months before.

The German discount chain put forward the revamped plans in the summer, which were welcomed by members.

The firm’s previous proposals were rejected over fears the supermarket would have a negative impact on neighbouring residents.

Changes include moving the store away from Mayflower Road – a key reason the application was rejected.

This is something both planners and residents who attended the meeting agreed on.

No members of the public spoke in objection to the plans at the meeting.