Lidl's New Store in Newcastle: A Sustainable Retail Haven at the Foot of the Mourne Mountains

The opening date has been confirmed for a new Lidl store in Co Down. The new concept store in Newcastle is the latest in the retailer's £150 million investment plan for upgrading and expanding its store network in Northern Ireland.

Grand Opening Details

The store, located at Shan Slieve Drive and Bryansford Road at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, will open its doors on Thursday, June 19, relocating from its existing position at Railway Street in the town centre. Occupying a site of 12,236 square metres, the site will also provide the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team the space it needs to develop a new facility, futureproofing the organization’s future plans and its ability to continue providing a lifesaving service in the Mourne region.

Sustainability at its Core

Developed with sustainability at the fore, the new Lidl Northern Ireland store will incorporate energy-efficient features, including LED lighting, heat pumps, and PV solar panels, thereby reducing carbon emissions and supporting Lidl’s ambition to achieving net-zero by 2050. Unique for the site is the retailer’s first store with a ‘living roof’ - designed to blend seamlessly with the store’s backdrop set within the Mourne Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Enhanced parking for 147 vehicles as well as two electric vehicle charging points also feature in the build, reflecting Lidl Northern Ireland’s commitment to sustainability and an enhanced customer shopping experience.

Local Impact and Employment

Developed to meet increasing customer demand, the £6.3m investment will see 15 new jobs added at the new store, bringing the total team employed to 37. Paralympic Gold Medalist Bethany Firth will cut the ribbon at the grand opening in June, welcoming new and existing customers. Commenting on the community impact, Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland, expressed excitement about the newly designed store and its sustainable focus, catering to the needs of the Newcastle community and beyond.