Lidl Confirms Plans to Move into West 12 Shopping Centre

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Company 'looks forward to sharing' firm details with the community

Budget supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed that it is aiming to move into the West 12 shopping centre on the south side of Shepherd's Bush Green.

As we reported last month, Lidl has applied to Hammersmith and Fulham Council for a premises licence in units 1-2 on the ground floor of the shopping centre, on Shepherd's Bush Green, which was vacated by Morrisons last November.

H&F Council is now indicating the application will be approved, saying Lidl is "poised to announce it will the anchor retailer in the shopping centre".

The council adds that the anticipated announcement has been welcomed by other retailers in the centre as well as residents.

Meanwhile a spokesman for the company said: "“We are in the process of exploring various options to bring a Lidl store to Shepherds Bush, and look forward to sharing any firm plans with the community as soon as we’re in a position to do so."

The news follows the German supermarket chain's announcement in May that it was hunting for suitable sites across London.

At the time, regional property director Richard Taylor said: “We have extremely ambitious plans for our London expansion and aim to open as many stores as possible each year."

Lidl's opening will be a major boost for the centre and create dozens of new jobs, after 170 people lost their jobs through the closure of Morrisons.

It will be also be welcomed by local shoppers, who were disappointed when Morrisons closed the store, saying it was no longer viable.

A discussion on our Shepherd's Bush forum has already begun, with reader Kate Regan saying: " FYI: Just heard that Lidl have applied for an alcohol licence and will open there next year. Shopkeepers hope Lidl will open in time for the 'Big Season' i.e. Christmas. Fingers crossed it all goes ahead!"

You can join the discussion here.

August 7, 2017