A SUPERMARKET giant is yet to confirm the opening date for its new Southampton store.

Budget retailer Lidl has confirmed its outlet in Banister Road is set to open this Autumn.

However, no date has been given.

It has been reported that 40 new jobs would be created once the new supermarket opens on the site of the former H.A Fox Jaguar showroom.

The brownfield site is being transformed to create 1,329m² of shopping space.

Daily Echo:

The new outlet is part of Lidl’s ongoing expansion plans across the UK which will see it open up to 50 new stores a year

In Southampton, it plans to open stores in Bassett, Bitterne and to relocate its store in Totton.

Meanwhile, in the borough of Eastleigh, it has plans for stores in Chandlers Ford and Hedge End.

Further afield its has its sights on locations in Romsey, Lymington, and in Winchester where it has earmarked sites in the town centre and at Badgers Farm.

Daily Echo:

As previously reported, a spokesperson for the chain said: "We are looking forward to bringing a new Lidl store to Banister Road, and hope to open in the autumn.

"It is our strong belief that the local community will benefit enormously from the new store, which marks a multi-million pound investment in the redevelopment of a brownfield site, and will create up to 40 new jobs for the local community.

"Our new store will enhance the retail offering in the area, proving customers with Lidl's offering of high quality affordable fresh produce. Additionally, once opened, the store will donate edible food surplus to local good causes, through our 'Feed it Back' scheme.

Daily Echo:

"Featuring a 1,329m² shopping area, the new store will also offer 115 parking spaces including electric vehicle charging points, as well as in-store bakery, customer toilets and baby changing facilities.

In February crowds of excited shoppers flocked to the opening of Southampton's newest Lidl store off Shirley High Street.

It has hopes to expand across the Solent area with nine new stores and continue its “phenomenal growth”.