Lidl lodges planning for new development in Douglas

The new store would created 30 new local jobs as well as offer housing as part of the application

Lidl Ireland is pleased to announce that they have today submitted a planning application for a new site in Douglas, Co Cork. The application is for a landmark building with strong architectural finishes and would see construction of a mixed use development. Alongside an environmentally friendly Lidl store the development would include eight 2 bed apartments, a cafe and another commercial unit.

The site in question faces onto the roundabout on the Douglas Relief Road (R610) and is currently lying vacant and unused. The proposal from Lidl would add a development that is in keeping with the area but, will offer residents more choice when it comes to shopping as well as housing and additional amenities. Visually the building will be completed in brick with white render as a secondary material. The apartment scheme, which will be situated on the 3^rd and 4^th floors, will be spacious with good ceiling heights and be centred around a courtyard, as outlined in a Housing Quality Assessment report conducted which forms part of the application.

Speaking about the application Lidl’s regional director for the Munster area Conor Nagle says; “This is an exciting proposal from Lidl for the Douglas area which will turn an unused site into one that offers great services to the community. When approved, this brand new state of the art store will create 30 new local jobs as well as supporting many hundreds more during the construction phase of the entire development. Lidl is committed to delivering high quality builds and we have employed the use of leading architects and designers to make the best use of this site. Of course a Lidl store doesn’t just bring better value shopping to an area – it means more fundraising for Ladies Gaelic Football clubs and schools in the area, it means new charity groups supported with FoodCloud donations and more funding for youth mental health in Cork through our charity partner Jigsaw. We are also proud supporters of Ability@Work with the Cope Foundation and look forward to extending this programme to Douglas when we receive permission.”

The planned store will incorporate a range of sustainability features including an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System, electric vehicle charger spaces and a solar panel system. It will also offer the retailer’s growing customer base a superior shopping experience with a spacious interior layout, high ceilings and wide aisles creating a comfortable shopping experience for customers.

Lidl Ireland employs 5,000 employees in its 168 stores, Head Office in Tallaght and three distribution centres and regional offices based in Charleville, Mullingar and Newbridge.