A NEW Lidl store has opened its doors in Christchurch.

The firm's second shop in the town welcomed customers for the first time on Thursday, August 26.

The store's opening times will be between 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

In total, the premises at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road will create around 40 new jobs and comes as part of Lidl's ongoing £1.3bn expansion and regeneration plans across Great Britain for 2021 and 2022.

Bournemouth Echo: The Lidl store at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road. Picture: Lidl

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, James Mitchell, said: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this highly anticipated Lidl store to Christchurch.

"It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community.”

Bournemouth Echo: The Lidl store at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road. Picture: Lidl

The store has been delivered following a reconfiguration of the retail unit, with Homebase moving into a smaller space.

The store will be providing surplus produce and customer donations to local charities, including The Charitable Emporium and Boscombe Salvation Army Meal Run, who work to redistribute surplus food to those most vulnerable in the local community.

Bournemouth Echo: The Lidl store at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road. Picture: Lidl

Customer donations will also be provided to Townsend Community Fridge who share good food with those in need. This is delivered through Lidl’s Feed it Back scheme, which is run in partnership with Neighbourly and connects Lidl stores up and down the country with local charities, foodbanks, community cafes and kitchens, putting quality food surplus to good use every day.

Fergus Egan, partner at Orchard Street Investment Management, which owns and manages the retail park, said: “The delivery of Lidl’s second store in Christchurch will further diversify and strengthen the retail park’s offering, with the addition of a grocery store widening its appeal to local customers.

Bournemouth Echo: The Lidl store at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road. Picture: Lidl

"The job creation and investment into the town is a real positive for the Christchurch community, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Lidl going forwards.”