New Edinburgh Lidl megastore planned on site of abandoned outlets

Lee Dalgetty
·3-min read
Lidl would be moving in to unoccupied buildings on Seafield Road
Lidl would be moving in to unoccupied buildings on Seafield Road -Credit:Google Maps


Proposals for a new Lidl foodstore have been submitted to Edinburgh Council.

The site, which sits on Seafield Road, formerly housed a B&M, Carpet Right, and Poundworld. All three have now permanently closed.

Under the new plans, the buildings would be transformed to create two retail units and one cafe. The second retail unit is said to be non-food, though it has not been confirmed which retailr will be moving in.

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Gravis Planning, who submitted the plans on behalf of Lidl, said: "The proposed development comprises the alterations of an existing building to ensure that it is able to provide for the needs of a modern foodstore that is operationally efficient and able to provide a sales floor that is attractive to shoppers, accessible to all, able to display Lidl’s product range effectively, and capable of accommodating the delivery of pallets direct to the shop floor.

"In addition it provides for a new comparison goods retail unit together with a new small unit, suitable for cafe use appropriate for the location in an established retail location."

Developers have said the plans would bring "significant" benefits. They stated: "Improved customer shopping environment and increased choice.

"Improved access, especially for those with mobility restrictions, both for access within the proposed store and for access to suitable parking spaces. Enhancement to the appearance of the site which will benefit the local area. It will provide new employment."

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Included in the development would also be a new deposit return scheme facility within the building. A small extension of unit one (where Lidl would move in) has also been proposed.

They've also laid out plans for a new ramped service access, extra disabled/family parking spaces, and electric vehicle charging spaces.

With the buildings currently unoccupied, developers have said the plans could benefit the area. They added: "The refurbishment of the external appearance of the building provides for a modern and attractive appearance and will replace the tired and, generally, unattractive existing appearance.

"This makes the existing retail/café units significantly more welcoming."

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This comes as Lidl announces plans to open "hundreds of new stores across the country, creating thousands of new jobs". The discounter published its latest list of desired locations for potential new stores, with it "eyeing major growth" in cities including Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and London, and towns from Woking and Wadebridge to Dumfries and Didcot.

Richard Taylor, Lidl GB chief development officer, said: "Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we're proud to have achieved record market share this month. We have also been the fastest-growing brick-and-mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.

"With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we're welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion. As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever.

"We're planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential. This is why we're continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion. As we look ahead, we're excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we're planning to open across the country in the coming months and years."

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