Lidl is pressing ahead with a rapid phase of UK expansion, announcing plans to open 19 new stores over the next eight weeks while simultaneously committing £43m to upgrade more than 70 existing locations across its estate. The store openings, which equate to a new Lidl site launching almost every other day, will see the discount retailer extend its footprint into new communities, including towns such as Calne in Wiltshire and Brough in Yorkshire. The programme forms part of Lidl’s wider strategy to strengthen its national presence through a combination of new-build developments and targeted investment in existing assets. Alongside the new stores, Lidl is undertaking a significant modernisation drive across its established portfolio. The £43m investment will focus on improving customer flow and in-store efficiency, with upgrades including new till systems, expanded freezer capacity and revised layouts designed to accommodate growing demand for frozen and chilled products. Sustainability remains a central element of Lidl’s development strategy. The refurbishment programme will incorporate energy-saving measures such as chillers that use natural refrigerants and intelligent lighting systems that automatically reduce electricity consumption. These upgrades align with the retailer’s longer-term ambition to lower operational emissions while delivering more efficient buildings across its UK estate. Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said the latest round of investment reflects the company’s intent to begin the year with momentum. He said the expansion would not only improve the shopping experience for customers but also deliver tangible benefits for the communities in which Lidl operates. The programme also represents a notable pipeline of construction activity, supporting contractors, consultants and local supply chains involved in both new-build delivery and refurbishment works. With food retail continuing to demonstrate resilience amid wider market uncertainty, Lidl’s accelerated rollout highlights the ongoing demand for modern, energy-efficient retail space in the UK. As competition among supermarkets intensifies, Lidl’s focus on rapid delivery, cost-effective construction and sustainable design positions the retailer to capture further market share while reinforcing its long-term commitment to investing in the UK built environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

IKEA has chosen The Boulevard outlet shopping centre in Banbridge as the location for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the retail-led scheme. The new 2,691 sq ft store forms part of a revised, smaller-format concept for the Swedish furniture retailer and will operate as a pop-up until spring 2026. The unit has been delivered as a flexible fit-out, offering planning services, a curated home furnishings range and a hub for online order collections, aligning with changing customer behaviour and omnichannel retail strategies. The opening follows a standout year for The Boulevard, which recorded double-digit growth in both sales and footfall. The performance underlines the strength of the scheme as a destination and highlights the importance of well-located, experience-led retail environments in the current market. Owned by Lotus Property, The Boulevard has benefited from ongoing investment in tenant mix, infrastructure and placemaking. Its strategic position close to the A1 corridor, linking Belfast and Dublin, has been a key factor in attracting national and international brands looking to test new store formats outside traditional city centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said the scheme’s combination of strong footfall, accessibility and on-site management expertise made it an ideal environment for retailers trialling new concepts. The centre’s ability to deliver adaptable retail space quickly has also proved attractive, particularly for brands seeking lower-risk entry into new markets. The Boulevard, which opened in 2006, continues to build momentum through a mix of new lettings and phased enhancements. Recent arrivals include Northern Irish cosmetics brand BPerfect, alongside fashion names such as Vila and French Connection, both of which selected the scheme for market-first locations. The centre is also home to the only standalone Northern Irish stores for several global brands, reinforcing its regional importance. Beyond retail, the scheme is expanding its leisure and food and beverage offer as part of a broader strategy to create an all-day destination. A new Hollywood Bowl is due to open later this year, introducing a bowling alley, restaurant and family entertainment space, and supporting the growth of a night-time economy at the site. With a critical mass of retail, leisure and adjacent big-box operators already in place, The Boulevard is positioning itself as a long-term investment location capable of adapting to evolving occupier requirements. IKEA’s outlet debut is the latest endorsement of that strategy, signalling confidence in the scheme’s future as one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic retail destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals