Work starts on new Lidl in Runcorn (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Lidl and new car showroom to open for Christmas

6:30pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A NEW £8 million Lidl store, set to create 100 jobs, is being built beside Halton Lea shopping centre in Runcorn.

Developer Opus North has sold a 1.2 acre site, alongside Asda, to the supermarket giant for £1.45m.

The German company plans to construct an 18,000 sq ft store and hopes to open for Christmas.

Polar Ford is also investing in a 15,000 sq ft development at the site in West Lane with a five car showroom, 10 bay workshop and 70 vehicle display area, with a separate used vehicle sales office.

The company’s existing 38-strong workforce in Victoria Road will transfer to the new site in December, 2012.

Andrew Duncan, managing director of Opus North, said: “The Ford dealership and the Lidl supermarket are crucial parts of this development in Runcorn.

“We are currently talking to a number of restaurant operators and retailers with a view to leasing or selling the one acre plot at the front of our site.

“That will be the final piece of the jigsaw.”