Lidl says that it is still committed to opening a new store in Carryduff despite a lack of development work.
Plans were approved in 2021 for a new £6.5million state-of-the-art store at the site of the former Carryduff Shopping Centre, with it being reported that Lidl had set a target to open the development by mid-2022.
It would create 35 new permanent jobs with Lidl as well as supporting 250 more indirectly through the development and construction phases.
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However, halfway through 2023, work is yet to start at the new store.
Although development has not yet begun in Carryduff, Lidl says that it is still committed to building the store and regenerating the Carryduff Shopping Centre.
A Lidl spokesperson said: "Lidl Northern Ireland is committed to realising a new store and regenerating Carryduff Shopping Centre. We look forward to advancing construction plans in due course as part of our overarching strategic plan to revitalise and expand Lidl's existing store network in Northern Ireland."
Castlreagh South SDLP councillor John Gallen said that residents in Carryduff are eagerly awaiting the development of the new store.
He said: "There was a resounding chorus of people excited & eager for the works to start at the new Lidl Carryduff site when we were chatting to people on the doorsteps recently. It was one of the most popular things people wanted to talk about during the council election campaign.
"Lidl have recently advised us that they are fully committed to the Carryduff store.
"In the last few months I’ve never had so many conversations about what people buy in the middle aisles of Lidl across Belfast, from power saws to paddling pools, it has it all!
"Residents in Carryduff would like to see the new supermarket developed as soon as possible to save them the drive to the Ballynahinch or Castlereagh Road stores.
"The site being developed will also link in well with the public realm works i.e: those things that enhance the experience for car users and pedestrians. These works will be planned for Carryduff in conjunction with the Department for Communities & the council.
"Like everyone I’m keen to see work starting on the Carryduff site and when it opens I’ll be the first one in the middle aisle!"
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