Budget supermarkets Aldi & Lidl unveil plans for stores in Northfield and Longbridge in Birmingham

Budget supermarket giant Lidl has pushed forward plans to build a new store in Birmingham. The German food retailer wants to replace where the now-closed Wilko once stood within Northfield Shopping Centre.

The plans come as fellow budget supermarket, Aldi, has announced its goal to open a new store in Longbridge. The Aldi store would be on Bristol Road South, near South & City College and Longbridge Town Centre.

More details on Lidl plans for Northfield

Proposals show that the north-eastern section of Northfield Shopping Centre would be demolished to make way for the new store and 114-bay car park, including six disabled bays, nine parent and child spaces and two electric vehicle charging points.

Around 40 jobs would also be created should Lidl be given the all-important green light. Supermarket bosses have also revealed as many as 88 percent of those consulted support the plans, with shoppers outlining how their closest Lidl was either 20 minutes east in Kings Heath or as far as Redditch.

The new Lidl, which would be accessed via Bristol Road South, would have the discounter’s in-store bakery as well as a customer toilet with baby changing facilities. Following feedback from residents, the proposals also include enhanced pedestrian access to Victoria Common Park at the rear of Northfield Shopping Centre.

Lidl’s Rachel Hargreaves said of the new Northfield store plans: “We know there is great support for a new Lidl store in this area as many recognise the benefits it would bring, from investment to new jobs and increased convenience.

“After listening to feedback, we’re also committed to improving access to the beloved Victoria Common Park to benefit the wider community and look forward to receiving a decision from Birmingham City Council in due course.”

More details on Aldi plans for Longbridge

German food and drink retailer Aldi wants to build a new supermarket next to the busy McDonald’s on Bristol Road South in Longbridge, near South & City College and Longbridge town centre.

If approved, the new Aldi would replace the former Texaco garage next to McDonald’s with that specific plot of land remaining vacant for well over a decade. 

An Aldi spokesman said: “The proposed development will strengthen the retail mix within Longbridge, increase food store provision and help meet the retail needs of the resident local catchment area by enhancing consumer choice, in accordance with sustainability objectives.

“The proposed development will encourage shoppers to visit the area and its other shops and services. We believe the proposals represent a considered and sensitive response to the constraints of the site.

“The Aldi, ‘deep discount’ retail store provides an amenity to the local area, which is currently lacking, along with the creation of local jobs. Aldi looks forward to becoming a considerate neighbour and a valued part of the local community.”

According to planning documents, 50 new jobs would be created while the store’s proposed opening hours would be Monday to Saturday 8am to 10pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. There would be 107 car parking spaces in total which include six disabled bays, six parent and child spaces and four electric vehicle charging points. To view the plans online, type in 2023/08255/PA on the Birmingham City Council planning portal.