Lidl proposes new leisure building at Newcastle store

Lidl proposes new leisure building at Newcastle store

17 August 2016

LIDL has suggested a new leisure facility could be built alongside a new supermarket at its controversial new site in Newcastle.

In a surprise move, the supermarket announced yesterday it is proposing the construction of both a “discount food store and leisure/community building” on the site of the former St Mary’s Girls Primary School on Shan Slieve Drive.

The site was the subject of intense community debate for several years as first Down Council and then Newry, Mourne and Down Council tried to purchase it as the site of a new leisure centre.

However, the Catholic Church sold the extensive site to Lidl for a replacement store. The church was accused of gazumping amid heated rows at the council, but this was rejected by the church which said it had a duty to secure the best deal for the parish. 

Some locals living near the proposed supermarket at the residential Shan Slieve Drive site have also expressed concern about the location.

The details of Lidl’s proposals emerged yesterday when Lidl revealed it is planning a pre-planning application public consultation event in Newcastle to gauge public reaction to its leisure facility proposal. Two public exhibitions will take place within weeks at which Lidl officials will seek the public’s views.

As well as the food store and community facility, Lidl also intends to provide car parking, landscaping and a new access road from Bryansford Road.

However, Lidl said yesterday that there are no concrete plans for the site and the company is simply seeking views at this stage.

One possibility which may be explored during the public discussion phase is Lidl providing new changing facilities for the adjoining Donard Park sports pitches to replace the existing changing complex which is very run down.

Another possibility could be a new base for Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, which currently operates out of cramped and outdated out buildings behind Newcastle police station.

A Lidl spokeswoman said: “As part of our planning application we hope to work closely with the local authority to develop plans that can incorporate facilities on the site which would benefit the local community. 

“At this stage we have no confirmed plans for the site and wish to engage with the local community through these pre-planning events.”

Public exhibitions on the proposals will be held at Lidl in Railway Street, Newcastle, on Tuesday, August 30 from 2pm to 8pm and in the Newcastle Centre on Tuesday, September 6 from 3pm to 9pm.

Comments on the proposed development can be made at the above events and in writing to MBA Planning at Citylink Business Park in Belfast no later than Tuesday, September 20.