LIDL has released a list of places where it wants to build new stores - including 46 locations in the North-East.

The supermarket chain says it wants to "continue phenomenal growth" and double its portfolio, which currently boasts more than 800 sites across the UK.

Some 46 locations in the North-East have been earmarked for stores. 

It has outlined the type of sites it is interested in developing and urged people to contact them regarding any possible leasehold deals that might be available.

Lidl is interested in building new, standalone stores, as well as converting existing buildings and developing sites on retail parks.

The specifications for its sites are:

  • Prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow;
  • Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities;
  • Unit sizes flexible on design and scale between 14,000 and 26,500 sq ft;
  • 1.5 acres plus for standalone stores or up to four acres for mixed-use schemes.

Among the areas Lidl is looking to build new stores is Darlington, with three locations noted in the north, south and west, but none in Durham city.

The chain wants to bring three new stores to Newton Aycliffe and Chester-le-Street.

It would also like to see four new stores to Gateshead, in Bensham, Low Fell and Ryton as well as in Birtley.

On Teesside, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Stockton are also target locations.

In 2020, Aldi opened two stores in Peterlee and Northallerton.

It currently has stores being constructed in Barnard Castle, Hexham and Preston Grange, North Shields. 

The Northern Echo: Potential sites in the North-East. Picture: LidlPotential sites in the North-East. Picture: Lidl

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, David Murphy, said: “We are delighted with the overwhelming response our stores in the North East and Cumbria have received so far, and look forward to serving our fresh quality produce to even more local communities as we continue with our investment in the area.”

This is a full list of the 46 North-East areas Lidl wants to bring a store to:

  • Barnard Castle
  • Boldon
  • Carlisle - East
  • Carlisle - North
  • Carlisle - West
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Cramlington 
  • Darlington - North
  • Darlington - South
  • Darlington - West 
  • Eston 
  • Gateshead - Bensham 
  • Gateshead - Birtley 
  • Gateshead - Low Fell
  • Gateshead - Ryton
  • Hexham 
  • Jarrow
  • Marske/Saltburn
  • Middlesbrough - Marton
  • Middlesbrough - South West
  • Monkseaton
  • Newcastle - City Centre East
  • Newcastle - City Centre West
  • Newcastle - High Heaton
  • Newcastle - Kingston Park
  • Newcastle - North 31.
  • Newcastle - North West
  • Newcastle - West
  • Newton Aycliffe
  • North Shields
  • Ponteland 
  • Prudhoe
  • Redcar
  • Scarborough - North
  • Seaham
  • Shiremoor 
  • South Shields - Marsden
  • Stanley
  • Stockton - Billingham 
  • Stockton - Ingleby Barwick
  • Stockton - Yarm
  • Stokesley
  • Sunderland - City Centre West
  • Sunderland - Doxford Park
  • Tynemouth
  • Whitley Bay