Big name retailers eye Birstall retail park expansion and create more than 100 jobs

Supermarket chain Lidl and discount store Home Bargains want to build on a vacant plot near the Showcase Deluxe cinema complex.

The plans have been revealed in a flyer sent to local residents. Formal planning applications are set to be submitted to Kirklees Council in the New Year.

It is believed the two stores will create around 110 new jobs for the beleaguered retail sector badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Lidl store would have an in-house bakery while

Home Bargains would also have a garden centre attached.

The vacant site off Bankwood Way previously had office or warehouse buildings which failed to attract tenants.

The site is bordered by the cinema and food and restaurant outlets including McDonald’s, Nando’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, KFC and Krispy Kreme.

The two stores would have 186 car parking spaces including a number of electric vehicle charging points.

The flyer delivered to local residents said: “The current proposals are for a new Lidl store and a separate Home Bargains store with accompanying outside garden centre, access, landscaping and parking.

“The site is currently derelict and the proposed development would deliver a high-quality retail scheme.

“The new stores will complement and add to the existing range of shops and services available at Birstall shopping park, whilst improving shopping choice and competition locally.

“They will also improve the visual appearance of the area by bringing the vacant site back into active use.

“The site benefits from excellent highways accessibility and public transport services operate on Gelderd Road less than 200m from the site.”

People can give their views in a virtual consultation online at www.lidl-Birstall.com.

A Lidl spokesman said: “We are extremely excited about the prospect of opening a new Lidl in Birstall.

"Together, the new stores are set to create around 110 new positions which would be fantastic for the local community, and we hope that as many people as possible are able to join us for this 'virtual' public consultation.

“We look forward to sharing and discussing our plans with everyone.”