A NEW larger Lidl store will be opening its doors this week having transformed the site of an existing store.

The discount supermarket giant will welcome customers back through the doors in Ringwood Road, West Howe, on Thursday, December 9, following a major development project.

The former store, Royal Mail and builders merchants buildings were knocked down to make way for the bigger shop.

Customers will be able to use the store between 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Staff were already at the discount supermarket store arranging aisles and shopping trolleys on Tuesday, November 30.

A planning and retail statement, which was submitted in support of Lidl's plans for the redevelopment of the site, said the old store was in need of “modernisation and reconfiguration”.

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It also claimed the new store would offer a “radically improved customer offer”.

The statement said: “The proposal will provide a modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore and will significantly improve the visual appearance of this prominent site. The proposal reflects Lidl’s most up-to-date store format and will ensure the provision of a high quality foodstore.”

Lidl secured planning permission from the now abolished Bournemouth Borough Council in 2018.

Delivery of the development was put on hold as Lidl said both Royal Mail and the builders merchants leasehold agreements for their respective premises did not expire until this year.

The supermarket said this three-year period would give “sufficient time to find suitable relocation premises”, although Royal Mail disputed this point at the time.

The German retailer recently opened a new premises at Christchurch Retail Park off Barrack Road.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “In February 2021, our Winton Delivery Office moved to a new location on Elliott Road. The new unit offers the same facilities to our customers and colleagues. No jobs have been lost and we maintain the same level of employment.”