Stepnell has been selected to build the first ever Lidl store in Loughborough.

The builder secured the contract for the scheme following its successful delivery of two Lidl stores in King's Heath, Birmingham, and in Oakham, Rutland. Stepnell is also currently building new Lidl supermarkets in Bedford and Droitwich.

Stepnell won the contract through Lidl's construction framework.

The new Loughborough store will create around 40 local jobs. Stepnell is also committed to using local construction workers and suppliers to work on the construction programme wherever possible.

The brand-new building will feature a full-height glazed façade and a modern interior including an on-site bakery, managers' office and welfare facilities for store employees.

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It is being developed north of Station Avenue on a brownfield site previously occupied by the former Charnwood Forest Railway building, an annex associated with Trinity College and a former petrol station.

Designed by John Roberts Architects, the new supermarket includes a mezzanine plant deck and will provide 2,460 sq m of space overall, including the 1,424 sq m sales and 589 sq m warehouse areas. The Stepnell team will also create 132 car parking spaces as well as improvements to the Station Street access which will serve the new store. The development is due to be completed in early 2019.

"Our successful relationship with Lidl UK, through its construction framework has seen Stepnell complete a series of demanding fast-track construction programmes for the company, creating attractive, contemporary supermarkets and further underlining Stepnell's impressive retail construction track record," said Stepnell regional director Thomas Sewell. "We are delighted to be continuing our association with such a high-profile client."

(CM/MH)