A new Lidl supermarket planned for Wolverhampton has been authorized to sell alcohol after local public health officials retracted their earlier objections. The store will occupy the former Gills sausage factory and abattoir site on Parkfield Road.
The City of Wolverhampton Council’s licensing committee approved the alcohol licence on January 8, permitting sales from 7am to 11pm. Initially, public health officials raised concerns about the sale of super-strength alcohol due to Wolverhampton’s high alcohol-specific mortality rates. However, following legal guidance, they withdrew their objection.
To address concerns, Lidl agreed to specific licence conditions, including prohibiting the individual sale of super-strength alcohol cans, restricting sales to four-packs only. Additional measures include CCTV installation and staff training to prevent alcohol sales to minors. These conditions were set in collaboration with West Midlands Police and council licensing officers.
READ MORE: DWP to Send Letters Announcing Pension and Benefit Increases to Retirees
In October, the council also approved Lidl’s plans for the new store along with 17 new homes on the brownfield site previously occupied by the meat wholesaler FA Gills, which ceased operations after its sale in 2023. Demolition of the old factory began last month, making way for the supermarket and a 110-space car park.
The development is expected to create around 40 jobs in the area. Lidl’s planning application emphasized the benefits of the project, highlighting efforts to revitalize the vacant site, deliver affordable family housing, and support sustainable growth in the community with an environmentally friendly design.