Lidl reveals plans to demolish and rebuild Carrickfergus store

Lidl has unveiled plans to demolish and rebuild its supermarket in Carrickfergus.

It’s part of the German retailer’s ongoing programme to replace its older outlets around the north with its larger and more modern store format.

Lidl recently unveiled its latest concept supermarket on Belfast’s Shore Road.

Rebuilds are currently under way in Omagh and the Castlereagh Road in east Belfast, with a new store also in the works for Belfast’s Boucher Road.

The discounter opened its Carrickfergus store, next to the former Courtaulds factory, in December 2010.

Lidl notified Mid and East Antrim Borough Council of its plans in recent days. The bid is currently at the pre-application stage, with a community consultation set to take place ahead of the submission of a full planning application later in the year.

The German retailer’s move comes as fellow discounter Home Bargains continues its efforts to secure planning permission for a new 42,000 sq ft store garden centre on the site behind it.

A major demolition programme has just been completed on the former Courtaulds site, which is subject to a major redevelopment plan.

The Kilmona Group has planning permission for a major retirement development on the site. Choice Housing confirmed in June that it will be investing around £20 million in delivering 146 homes on the site.