'We now look forward to progressing the next stages': Lidl welcomes approval for long-awaited second Londonderry store after six-year planning battle
Retailer says ministerial green light for £8m Crescent Link supermarket is a major milestone that will create jobs, boost investment and expand shopping choice in the north west.
Lidl Northern Ireland has welcomed ministerial approval for its long-awaited second store in Londonderry, describing the decision as a "significant milestone" after more than six years in the planning system.
The £8 million supermarket development at Crescent Link has been given the green light by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, paving the way for a new store expected to create 70 jobs during construction and 35 full and part-time positions once operational.
The application had been subject to a lengthy planning process after being called in by the Department for Infrastructure in 2021, despite receiving backing from councillors on Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Welcoming the decision, a spokesperson for Lidl Northern Ireland said: "We warmly welcome the news that a proposed new Lidl store at Crescent Link, Derry-Londonderry, has received ministerial approval.
"Today's announcement marks the culmination of a planning process that has spanned more than six years and represents a significant milestone for Lidl Northern Ireland in our ambitious investment and expansion plans across the region.
"Derry-Londonderry is a thriving city and our existing store at Buncrana Road is currently serving a significant and rapidly expanding population base. The approval of a second store in the area is welcome news for both residents and visitors alike."
The spokesperson said the project demonstrates Lidl's "long-term confidence" in Londonderry and the wider north west, while reinforcing the retailer's commitment to investing in communities across Northern Ireland.
"We would like to thank the Department for Infrastructure, Derry City and Strabane District Council, elected representatives, officials and the many local residents and stakeholders who have supported our plans throughout the planning process," they continued.
"We now look forward to progressing the next stages of the development and delivering a state-of-the-art new Lidl store for the people of Derry-Londonderry."
However, the retailer said the lengthy planning process also highlighted wider challenges within Northern Ireland's planning and licensing systems.
"While we welcome this progress, significant challenges remain within the planning and alcohol licensing systems in Northern Ireland, which can delay local economic growth, investment and job creation," the spokesperson added.
"As outlined earlier this year, Lidl has ambitious plans to invest more than £500 million in expanding its footprint across Northern Ireland in the years ahead. We remain committed to engaging proactively with elected representatives, officers and departmental officials to help address planning-related challenges and maximise our social and economic impact for local communities across Northern Ireland."