Lidl has put forward new plans to demolish its existing Bilston High Street store and replace it with a modern, redesigned supermarket. According to the City of Wolverhampton Council, the current store is considered “poor quality and outdated,” falling short of contemporary retail standards.
The proposed redevelopment aims to enhance the shopping experience while revitalizing the site’s appearance and accessibility. Lidl’s application notes that the project will improve the entrance to Bilston town centre and contribute positively to the area’s vitality.
While Wolverhampton Council had previously approved Lidl’s proposal in March 2022, that permission has since expired. A separate approval earlier this year allowed Lidl to demolish the adjoining 127-year-old former Swan pub to create additional parking spaces.
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The new plan promises a comprehensive upgrade, including increasing car parking from 136 to 155 spaces with added electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage. The store’s net sales area will grow by 9%, allowing for a broader product selection and better internal circulation, all while reducing the overall building footprint for more efficient space use.
However, plans to build two new retail units next to the nearby McDonald’s—originally included in the 2022 proposal—have been removed from this latest submission.
Lidl’s redevelopment is expected to deliver a “significant enhancement” to local convenience shopping and boost Bilston’s visual appeal and commercial vitality. The supermarket chain is also progressing with plans for a new store and 17 homes on the former Gills sausage factory site in nearby Parkfields. That project will create 40 jobs and add a 110-space car park, with demolition already approved by the council.
Overall, Lidl’s renewed ambitions in Bilston and the surrounding area underscore its commitment to modernizing its retail offerings and contributing to community regeneration.