Lidl has revealed plans for a new store in north Down as it ramps up its expansion strategy across the north.
The retailer has notified Ards and North Down Borough Council of its intention to develop a new supermarket on the outskirts of Donaghadee.
It comes just days after Lidl lodged plans for a mixed supermarket and housing development in Ballycastle.
The proposal in Donaghadee involves a 25,000 sq ft store on a four-acre field on the Bangor Road, next to the Co Down town’s rugby club.
While the bid is at an early stage, Lidl has confirmed it will hold a public consultation event at Donaghadee Rugby Club next month, where its full plans will be on display.
The planning application in north Down is the latest in a flurry of new store plans announced by the retailer in recent months as it pulled the trigger on a strategy to target smaller population centres.
Alongside the proposal for a new build supermarket in Ballycastle, Lidl is planning brand new store locations in Sprucefield, south Belfast, Castlederg, Ballymena and two new sites in Derry City, where it currently has just a one shop.
In February, Lidl, which currently has 44 shops, announced its ambition to reach 60 shops within the next five years.
But it said those plans will depend on the pace of the planning system.
Senior figures at Lidl expressed “serious concerns” with MLAs over the pace of planning reform in the north.
The company has been left frustrated by the stasis of its bid to develop a second site in Derry City after securing planning approval in 2021.
Lidl’s public event in Donaghahee Rugby Club will take place on June 18 (4.30pm to 7pm).