Marlow: Lidl move one step closer to opening of new store

Signs have gone up on the former-Waitrose site at Chapel Street as work continues to progress inside.

A Lidl spokesperson has confirmed that the store will open this winter but was unable to be more specific on a date.

The store on Chapel Street (Image: Newsquest)

Opening hours are set to be between 8am to 10pm on Monday through to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The store is also on the lookout for new staff with the supermarket launching a UK recruitment drive aiming to fill over a thousand roles.

The new Marlow store is expected to create around 40 jobs for the local community.

The positions that are being advertised at the time of writing are customer assistant roles and a deputy store manager role.

Nan Gibson, Lidl’s chief HR officer said: “As our customer base continues to grow, and as we open more new stores and warehouses, we need more people to join team Lidl.

“Not only will new colleagues be the highest paid in the industry as a result of our newly increased rates, they also be part of an amazing team of people that are working to help make good food accessible to all households, at a time that is so needed.”

Lidl will open in Marlow this winter (Image: Newsquest)

Waitrose left the site in October 2019, with the building almost taken over by a nursery that had its proposals accepted in February 2020.

However, after the nursery’s plans fell through, Lidl acquired the building and is readying to open.

A Lidl spokesperson said: “We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new Lidl store in Marlow is well underway with the store due to open this winter.

“Once opened, the new store will deliver Lidl’s high-quality and affordable produce to the local area.”

The German food retailer will have an increased sales area following an extension at the back of the building creating a new entrance on Liston Road.

There will be no entry via Chapel Street, which will become the back of the supermarket.

There will also be facilities such as an in-store bakery as well as provide on-site bicycle parking close to the new entrance to the store.

Lidl hopes to “improve local shopping choice” alongside a design that is an “appropriate addition to the local town”.

A number of local residents shared their own excitement about the new opening.

Janet Melrose said on Facebook: “It will be a relief to have an alternative to our other supermarket, though the staff there are lovely.”

Lesley Johnson added: “At long last... look out for venison steak, lobster and duck breast and crispy duck.”