Situated directly opposite Castlebawn Retail Park, the modern new store is prominently positioned on a formerly derelict two-acre site beside Castlebawn Roundabout off the A20, just a short distance from Comber, Bangor and Dundonald.
The newly opened store replaces the retailer’s premises at Jubilee Road which has been serving the community since 2005.
Occupying a total space of 7,982 sq. m, with a 1,420 sq. m sales floor, the new store is built to Lidl Northern Ireland’s bold ‘Concept’ design which prioritises sustainability, spacious, wide aisles, long tills, restrooms, staff and baby-changing facilities to dramatically enhance a high-quality shopping experience. The store also benefits from a mono-pitched roof consisting of glass and cladding for an ultra-modern look. The exterior also offers 136 car parking spaces, with two electric vehicle charging points.
The store was opened on Thursday 25th February by Newtownards’ own Rhys McClenaghan, Olympic gymnast and Lidl Northern Ireland Sport For Good ambassador. The three-times World Cup gold medalist was joined by pupil Lucy McGonigle from his former school, Regent House Grammar, who officially cut the ribbon and opened the store. The school is set to benefit from £3,000 worth of sports equipment, having recently been announced as one of 40 winners of Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport For Good initiative.
Jonathan McConnell, Newtownards Store Manager said:
“Lidl Northern Ireland has been part of the local community for more than 15 years and over that time we’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of shoppers. We’re delighted to open our new, refreshed store today and provide customers with an enhanced shopping experience. The store has been designed with the customer in mind and its prime position just off the A20 offers improved accessibility for locals and commuters alike.
With a significantly larger sales floor, we’re also delighted to welcome an additional 18 new members of staff to the team and grow our workforce. This is a really exciting time for us and the new store opening reaffirms Lidl Northern Ireland’s commitment to Newtownards. We look forward to welcoming everyone through our doors soon to enjoy a first-class shopping experience.”
The opening of the Castlebawn store in Newtownards is the latest move by the retailer to dramatically enhance its service provision across Northern Ireland.
Last week, Lidl Northern Ireland opened its 41st store at Hillview Retail Park in north-west Belfast, creating 30 new jobs and representing a total investment of £6.7 million for the local area. The new store opening was the second in a series of five properties to open as part of the retailer’s £32 million investment project into the Greater Belfast area, following the Holywood Exchange store opening in December last year.
In January, Lidl Northern Ireland announced plans for its new £6.5 million state-of-the-art store at Carryduff Shopping Centre. The new store opening is a major part of the centre’s regeneration and will create 35 new permanent jobs as well as supporting 250 more during the development and construction phases.
The company employs more than 1,000 staff across its 40-strong store network and Regional Distribution Centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim, and recently announced it will recruit an additional 170 employees this year.
Lidl Northern Ireland contributes around £180 million a year to the local economy, sustaining 3,500 jobs while buying and exporting as much as £290 million worth of local goods and products.
Lucy McGonigle (Regent House School), Jonathan McConnell (Lidl Newtownards Store Manager) and Rhys McClenaghan, Olympic gymnast and Lidl Northern Ireland Sport For Good ambassador.
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