Lidl means a lot for Preston architect

PRESTON-based architectural, building surveying and planning practice, Cassidy + Ashton, has secured a significant contract with discount retail giant Lidl to deliver a number of site development schemes across the North of England.

The major contract involves complete rebuilds as well as extension projects to accommodate new features to the Lidl format, such as bakeries, wide aisles and spacious car parks.

To date, the firm has completed more than 50 designs for stores from Morecambe to Nottingham with more expected in the coming months.

Lidl acquisitions manager Paul Mason said: “Our customers are the most important people in our business and our aim is to fulfil their needs at all times. Central to that commitment is to offer the perfect environment for a more pleasant and enjoyable shopping experience.

“Cassidy + Ashton initially met with our North West distribution centre to discuss our expansion plans.  It quickly became clear that they had the right experience to help us to successfully deliver our large-scale expansion plans.”

The landmark contract is being managed by associate director Neil Dermott.

He said: “Discount retailers are experiencing exponential growth at the moment and we’re delighted to be working with Lidl as it expands its presence across the country.

“Functional and attractive architecture is one of the core elements of Lidl’s customer-oriented expansion and, having delivered a large number of retail projects in the past, we have utilised our knowledge and understanding of the sector to design schemes that meet the brief and also maximise the shopping experience for Lidl customers.”

Out of the projects awarded to Cassidy + Ashton, approximately a third are open and trading, with the rest at the planning or construction stage.