WORK has started on the redevelopment of a town centre’s Lidl supermarket which could bring 20 new jobs to the area.

Construction firm Excell Construction commenced work on the regeneration of the Lidl supermarket site on Rigby Street in Nelson on Monday.

The budget chain first proposed to knock down the Rigby Street shop and replace it with a new ‘concept’ store over a year ago.

The 1,424 sq m store will include parking for 102 cars, an in-store bakery and enhanced facilities for employees following a ‘significant investment’ into the refurbishment.

Bosses have previously said the refurbished store would create up to 20 new full and part-time jobs as well as more during the construction period. 

Lidl UK’s regional head of property, Nick Harvey, said: “As part of our ongoing expansion plans in the UK, we are constantly reinvesting into our existing store base, as well as building new stores.

“There’s been much anticipation for this redeveloped Lidl store and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst we enter this next phase of the development.”

There were some initial concerns raised over how the changes to the store would affect nearby properties but the plans were largely welcomed by residents and councillors, who said it would increase trade to the town.

The Lidl store’s expansion plans have been hailed as ‘great news’ by local councillors.

Nelson Cllr Eileen Ansar, who is the portfolio holder for tourism, said: “I think this is good news for the area.

“It seems the idea is to make it nicer, bigger and better and create new jobs which can only be great news for the people of Nelson.”

Cllr Sheila Wicks, who also represents the area, said: “I’m not against (the redevelopment) if Lidl want to expand as long as it does not cause problems for the neighbours or nearby properties."