Lidl plans to open in Homebase Colchester

In a move that will be seen by the industry as significant, the supermarket chain Lidl will be opening up inside the former Homebase store in Colchester.

Staff at the Homebase branch, in St Andrew’s Avenue, Colchester, were notified in March that Homebase was due to close and the site would be re-developed.

Read - Homebase confirms closure of Colchester branch.

With the future of Homebase hanging in the balance following the news that Wesfarners are looking to offer a dowry of up to £100m as an incentive for a new buyer for the chain, this move will be watched with interest. Due to planning restrictions, it has previously been difficult to change the use of some retail outlets from non-food to food.

Read - Wesfarmers seeking fast-track exit from UK & Ireland.

In recent days, it has now been revealed that the supermarket giant Lidl could be taking over the unit. The supermarket giant which recently opened it's 700th UK store has been sending leaflets to local residents advertising a public exhibition for the new store, which will be held on 30th April, at the Oak Tree Centre in Harwich Road.

It's understood that the multi-million pound investment will create up to 40 new jobs, with the new store featuring an in-store bakery, customer toilets and parking for both cars and bikes.

As there will be a gap between Homebase closing and the new store opening, it is not known if the staff there will be transferred, however Lidl said they would welcome any Homebase employees to apply for a job.

Colin Rimmer, Lidl UK’s regional head of property said: “We are extremely excited about the prospect of opening a Lidl in Colchester and serving our fresh, quality and incredibly good value produce which shoppers across the country have come to love. We look forward to welcoming anyone along to the public consultation day.”

Source: Insight DIY Team

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