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Lidl store on Stansted Road site of former Gates of Stortford Ford dealership set to open in autumn




Lidl says construction of its £12m store in Bishop’s Stortford is “well under way” and it is set to open in autumn this year – four years after it first announced it wanted to come to the town.

Opening of the development in Stansted Road, on the site of former Ford motor dealer Gates of Stortford, will create around 40 jobs. The German discount chain claims new starters will receive one of the highest pay rates in the sector.

The proposed sales area of 1,334 sq m (14,359 sq ft) will feature an in-store bakery, customer toilets with baby changing facilities and “ample” parking for cars and bicycles. Its planning application in 2021 included 147 of its “largest format (5.2m x 2.7m) parking spaces”, including 10 for the disabled, 10 parent-and-child bays and two electric vehicle charging points.

Computer-generated image of the Lidl store being built in Stansted Road
Computer-generated image of the Lidl store being built in Stansted Road

Kate Bleloch, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “It’s exciting to see that our first store in Bishop’s Stortford is progressing, with construction now in full swing.

“With 76% of residents backing our plans during the consultation phase, it’s clear there is a strong desire for our best-value offering in the area.

“We would like to express our appreciation to all those who took the time to provide their feedback – it’s been a source of encouragement for us throughout the planning phase.

Gates of Stortford
Gates of Stortford

“We’re pleased to say we’re on track to open before the end of 2025 and will continue to keep the community updated as things progress.”

Lidl revealed in August 2021 that it wanted to make a “multi-million-pound investment” in the Stansted Road site.

It applied to East Herts Council for planning permission and the scheme was approved by EHC’s development management committee in December 2022 after it was deferred by councillors earlier that year.

The council had received 91 objections centred on access, traffic and noise for neighbouring residents – one of whom, Cheryl Sauvary, had concerns over the impact on her disabled and vulnerable daughter Vanessa, saying the store could have “life-changing” consequences for her family.

Lidl, part of the Schwarz retail group, established itself in Great Britain in 1994 and today has more than 34,000 employees, over 970 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.



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