Discount giant Lidl is set to continue its growth spurt after revealing it aims to revive plans to build a distribution depot near Exeter Airport.
BBC News reports that the retailer has agreed to buy the site at Clyst Honiton from Sainsbury's, who originally planned to build a centre there before putting its plans on hold in 2013.
Lidl has said it will be looking to recruit up to 500 employees for the depot, which could pave the way for it to open more stores in the region.
The site, known as the Exeter Gateway, already has planning permission for a 50,000 square metre distribution warehouse, which will be bigger than six football pitches.
But no timescale has reportedly yet been given for the delivery hub’s construction and opening.
Adrienne Howells, Lidl UK head of warehouse expansion, said: “We are delighted to confirm plans to open a new distribution centre near Exeter, which marks yet another milestone in our ambitious expansion programme.
“This additional distribution centre will provide considerable investment in the local community and will service both existing and new stores in the south-west.
“As the UK’s fastest growing supermarket, we are constantly working to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to deliver Lidl UK’s unique offering to our ever growing customer base, and we’re very much looking forward to this next phase of our growth.”
Lidl already has 10 stores within a 50-mile radius of Exeter.
How much Lidl is paying Sainsbury’s for the site has not been disclosed.
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