Lidl has now completed its two-stage extension at its Belvedere site in London, investing £285 million across two buildings.
The first phase of investment - equating to £160 million - involved the construction of a new, second warehouse. The second stage saw the original building demolished to make way for a state-of-the art warehouse, which will triple its capacity.
The warehouse space at Belvedere now stretches across 800,000 sq ft - roughly the space needed to park 1,800 double decker buses indoors. This move represents a 167% increase in the retailer’s footprint since first opening at the site in 2003.
Once fully operational, the warehouse will serve 120 stores across the country, including its recently opened store in Brentford, all the way down to Dorking, as well as future stores.
This news follows a £150 million investment into a 38-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds - with construction starting last month.
These new additions and updates form part of a commitment from the retailer to further support growth across Great Britain, as it builds towards its major milestone of opening 1,000 stores.
“We’re proud to play our role in driving economic growth, while continuing to establish an infrastructure that delivers sustainable growth for our ambitious expansion plans,” said Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB.
“But these investments are not just about logistics. The updates today also represent an investment in our mission to make good food accessible to households across the country."
The developments will lead to more than 500 new jobs, with the expansion at Belvedere creating 120 new positions and the Leeds warehouse resulting in 400 new roles.
Following Lidl’s latest announcement, employees will also benefit from increased entry-level pay.
Commenting, Rachel Reeves, chancellor of the exchequer, said: “This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the UK economy, and Lidl’s commitment to new warehouse facilities in London and Leeds will unlock hundreds of new jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure families can access affordable, quality food.
“Through our Plan for Change we’re backing business and working in partnership to deliver growth and opportunity in communities across the country.”
In similar news, premium retailer Marks & Spencer announced a £340 million investment into the development of an automated National Distribution Centre in Northamptonshire.
