Lidl is investing £435m in two warehouses in Leeds and London to support further growth across Great Britain.
The discounter has completed its two-stage extension at its Belvedere site in London, investing £285m across two buildings.
The first phase of investment, which involved the construction of a new, second warehouse, equated to £160m. The second stage demolished the original building to make way for a “state-of-the-art warehouse”, which tripled capacity.
Lidl now has 800,000 sq ft of warehouse space at Belvedere, which is a 167% increase in its footprint since first opening the site in 2003. Once fully operational, the warehouse will serve 120 stores, spanning Brentford to Dorking, as well as future stores.
Last month, the discount grocer also started construction at its 38-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds, where it will be investing £150m.
Lidl said these developments would lead to over 500 new jobs, with the expansion at Belvedere creating 120 new positions and the Leeds warehouse resulting in 400 new roles.
The projects build on the supermarket chain’s growth plans, as it prepares to open its 1,000th UK store in November this year, 31 years after opening its first.
“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 Lidl GB chief real estate officer Richard Taylor.
“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.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “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.”