Lidl has officially concluded its two-stage extension at the Belvedere site in London, making a substantial investment of £285 million across two buildings.
In the first phase, Lidl invested £160 million to construct a second warehouse. Subsequently, they demolished the original building in the second phase, paving the way for a state-of-the-art warehouse that will triple its capacity.
The newly expanded warehouse space now covers 800,000 sq ft, which is roughly the equivalent of parking 1,800 double-decker buses indoors. This significant development represents a 167% increase in the retailer’s footprint since the site was first established in 2003.
Once fully operational, the warehouse will serve 120 stores across the UK, including the recently opened store in Brentford and extending all the way down to Dorking, as well as future locations.
This expansion announcement follows a previous investment of £150 million into a 38-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds, where construction began last month.
Commitment to Growth
These enhancements underscore Lidl’s commitment to foster growth throughout Great Britain, particularly as they strive towards the milestone of opening 1,000 stores.
Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, stated,
“We’re proud to play our role in driving economic growth, while continuing to establish an infrastructure that delivers sustainable growth for our ambitious expansion plans.”
Furthermore, he added,
“But these investments are not just about logistics. The updates today also represent an investment in our mission to make good food accessible to households across the country.”
As a result of these developments, Lidl anticipates the creation of more than 500 new jobs, with 120 positions arising from the Belvedere expansion and 400 roles associated with the Leeds warehouse.
Additionally, following Lidl’s latest announcement, employees will also benefit from increased entry-level pay.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, commented:
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK economy, and Lidl’s commitment to new warehouse facilities in London and Leeds will unlock hundreds of new jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure families can access affordable, quality food.”
She further emphasized,
“Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing business and working in partnership to deliver growth and opportunity in communities across the country.”
