'I’ve had a wee nosey around the aisles and I have to say, it’s a grand spot - bright, fresh, and full of bargains': Customers celebrate the opening of its new Lidl North Belfast store
‘Another show-stopping store’: Lidl Northern Ireland celebrates the opening of its new Ballysillan store, creating 25 new jobs and marking its 44th location across the region
Hundreds of eager shoppers braved the cold and wet weather this morning (Thursday) as Lidl Northern Ireland officially opened its brand-new, state-of-the-art store on the Ballysillan Road in North Belfast.
Local panto legend Dame May McFettridge was on hand to cut the ribbon, marking the milestone opening of the retailer’s 44th store in the region.
As part of the celebrations, Lidl Northern Ireland has donated £1,000 in store vouchers to two local charities, GRACE Women's Development Limited and Benview Community Centre, reinforcing the retailer’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and causes. The first ten shoppers through the doors this morning also received a voucher to spend in-store.
Built on the site of a previously vacant property in the heart of North Belfast, the new Ballysillan store reflects Lidl Northern Ireland’s ongoing commitment to driving local economic growth, supporting employment and contributing to the wider regeneration of the area.
The new Ballysillan store has created 25 permanent new jobs within the community, forming part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s £150 million investment and expansion programme announced last year: representing a local investment of over £5 million.
The redeveloped outlet spans 1,721 sq. m, with an expansive 1,265 sq. m sales floor, and has been designed in line with Lidl’s latest concept store format. The result is a brighter, more energy-efficient and customer-focused shopping environment, complete with enhanced parking for 108 vehicles and two electric vehicle charging points.
Customers can expect an extensive range of top-quality fresh produce, a wide variety of locally sourced Northern Irish products, and Lidl’s award-winning own-brand ranges.
Commenting on the opening, Gordon Cruikshanks, regional managing director for Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to mark the official opening of our new Ballysillan store, another milestone in Lidl Northern Ireland’s continued investment across the Greater Belfast area and beyond.
“This redevelopment reflects our long-term commitment to providing local shoppers with an enhanced experience, from our expanded product range to the improved store layout. It’s an investment in the local community, in new jobs, and in creating a modern, sustainable space that will serve North Belfast for many years to come.
“We’re proud to continue supporting local employment, both through our dedicated team here in Ballysillan and across our regional operations, and we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new customers to our new store just in time for Christmas.”
Speaking at the opening, Dame May McFettridge added: “Well, what a day! The place was buzzing this morning, I haven’t seen a crowd like that since panto season! It’s a real lift for the area, and you can feel the excitement from everyone who’s come along.
“I’ve had a wee nosey around the aisles and I have to say, it’s a grand spot - bright, fresh, and full of bargains. I’ve stocked up already, though I might have to come back tomorrow... those middle aisle treasures don’t hang about!
“North Belfast deserves investment like this, and fair play to Lidl Northern Ireland for another show-stopping store.”