Support Lidl Kirkcaldy

Lidl is proposing to upgrade and relocate its existing store in Kirkcaldy to a new site at the west end of the Esplanade, which was formerly a Stagecoach Bus depot. We are delighted to be in a position to commence consultation with the local community on Lidl’s proposed plans.

Lidl's existing site provides a number of constraints in relation to size and shape, which make it unsuitable for redevelopment or extension. The new Lidl of the Future (LOF) store requires 2 acres of land and, unfortunately, the existing site is only 1.49 acres. If Lidl was to construct the LOF store on this site, the design would be compromised and the number of parking spaces reduced.

In addition, the existing site is bordered by the Esplanade, Gas Wynd, School Wynd and residential dwellings. This means that an extension onto the site itself, to increase it to 2 acres, is also not possible.

The relocation of Lidl’s Kirkcaldy store is a multi-million pound investment, which will contribute to improving the overall retail experience of residents. The new store will provide around 131 parking spaces, a larger stand-alone in-store bakery, an increased choice in produce, bigger shopping aisles, self-service checkouts and improved welfare spaces for employees. The building, which will have a 1424 m2 sales area, will be constructed using modern and sustainable methods and materials, and will feature a full-height glass frontage.

It will also create up to 15 new jobs, in addition to the 15 jobs already provided by the existing store. These jobs will range from Customer Assistants and Cleaner positions, starting at £8.25 per hour, to Management positions, starting at £37k per annum for a Store Manager and around £24k per annum for an Assistant Store Manager. Lidl is proud to be the first retailer in the UK to introduce and exceed the living wage, with all its employees receiving a minimum of £8.25 per hour and none operating on zero hour contracts.

We have launched a website (www.kirkcaldy.lidl.co.uk) as part of our comprehensive public consultation exercise. On the website you will find the plans for Lidl's proposed store, as well as information regarding how you can register your support in addition to signing this petition.