Demolition work begins to make way for multi-million pound supermarket

Work has now commenced on the development of a new Lidl supermarket with the demolishing two large former industrial buildings on a 2.36 acre site on James Street in York.

Following the demolition works, a seven month build programme will see the 21,054 sq ft supermarket open in summer 2019.

The multi-million pound store will be the second Lidl to open in the York area, with the first opening seven years ago on Thanet Road.

Creating up to 40 jobs, the store will also include 130 parking spaces, with four bays for electric vehicle charging and an in-store bakery.

S Harrison, the York-based development company, worked with site owner Perio News Limited to secure planning for the supermarket in October. The construction contract was awarded to Leeds-based Castlehouse Construction.

With over 40 years’ experience, Castlehouse has recently built two Lidl supermarkets in the North West and one in Knaresborough on Chain Lane, which opened this summer.

Andrew Wharton from S Harrison, said: “Investment on this scale in this part of York is really positive news. The site has had many uses over the years including being a waste disposal site, a packaging factory and latterly a storage facility for television props, but the two large buildings had deteriorated and fallen into a state of disrepair.

“This exciting development will support economic sustainability and create jobs, as well as being a great place to shop.”