Lidl invests £435m in warehouses network

Lidl GB has completed a major expansion of its Belvedere warehouse in London and begun work on a new site in Leeds, as part of wider plans to grow its UK store network.

The discount supermarket has invested £285m in a two-stage development at Belvedere. The first phase, costing £160m, added a second warehouse. The original building was then demolished and replaced with a larger facility, tripling capacity.

Lidl now has 800,000 sq ft of warehouse space at the site – a 167% increase since it opened in 2003. The expanded facility will support 120 stores, including its new branch in Brentford and future openings across the south-east.

A further £150m is being invested in a new regional distribution centre in Gildersome, Leeds. Construction began last month on the 38-acre site.

Together, the projects are expected to create more than 500 jobs – 120 at Belvedere and 400 in Leeds. Lidl said its staff would benefit from new pay and benefits from next month.

Chief real estate officer Richard Taylor said: “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.

“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 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.”

Lidl is continuing to seek new warehouse sites in southern England, as it works towards opening its 1,000th UK store.