German supermarket chain Lidl are looking to open a brand new store in Ryde, Island Echo can exclusively reveal.
The company have confirmed this week that Ryde is an area of interest, but say that no specific sites have yet been finalised. However, Island Echo can reveal that one location of continued interest is the site of Staddlestones garage on Brading Road, which is situated next to McDonalds and a stones throw from rival supermarket, Tesco.
A spokesperson for Lidl UK, who are remaining tight-lipped about the project, has told Island Echo:
“We are always looking to expand our existing store portfolio. Ryde is an area of interest for us but currently we have no specific sites confirmed”.
Lidl already operate successful stores in Newport and Shanklin, with the future Ryde store set to be of a similar size.
Speaking about the future of Staddlestones, Managing Director and Dealer Principal, Chris Perkis said:
“Merging our operations onto one site and making a massive investment into our home on Brading Road has proven to be an overwhelming success. We are tight for space, and the need to relocate to a larger facility has been considered. In turn this would allow us to expand the number of franchises that we can offer, and create further employment opportunities.
“We are however very satisfied with our current location and any future relocation of the business would be subject to securing and constructing a larger facility within the existing catchment.
Article continues below this advertisement “We realise that we own one of the most attractive commercial sites in Ryde, and have been approached by many different companies over the years. Potential local development at Pennyfeathers, for example, will only increase that interest, but any future deal would have to be right for our business, our staff, and our many valued customers – who we will continue to look after for years to come”.
The news comes just months after a 900-home development at Pennyfeathers off Brading Road was given the green light by planning officers.
