NORTHWICH’S Lidl supermarket is due to re-open in June after closing for work on a major revamp.

A series of improvements are being undertaken at the 11-year-old Chester Way store, including a non-sales extension taking in 192 square metres.

The extension to the side of the store, fronting Chester Way, will provide for a new entrance lobby, bakery preparation area, pallet freezer and small plant compound.

The extension will be built on land that accommodates the existing entrance lobby, trolley bay and some parking spaces.

The scheme also includes changing the layout of the car park to cater for a trolley bay and to maximise the level of customer parking.

There will also be external works to the building to include floor to ceiling glazing to the main shopfront, recladding the elevations, replacing all doors and windows and removing the tower.

Cheshire West and Chester Council granted planning permission for the work in October, and gave the go-ahead in February to increase the opening hours to 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The store is due to re-open at 8am on June 16, and the nearest Lidl is at Chester Road, Middlewich.

“A nationwide programme of modernising the store portfolio is under way in response to advances in technology, especially with regard to store construction and energy efficiency, and the evolution of the operator’s trading format,” said a report accompanying the planning application.

“The upgrading of older stores, such as the Northwich store, has become a priority.

“The proposals comprise a comprehensive package of works that will deliver a significant enhancement to the appearance, function and efficiency of the existing store.

“The development will deliver investment in a town centre store, which will enhance the appearance of the existing building and positively contribute to the character of the area.

“The proposals will also enable the Lidl store to function more efficiently, with the quality of the internal shopping environment being significantly enhanced.”

The work will mean a reduction of two customer parking spaces, and the existing vehicle access will remain.