CONSTRUCTION has begun on the new Lidl store in West Parley ahead of its opening next year.

The supermarket will form part of a massive development lined up for the land east of New Road.

Bellway Homes have outlined plans for up 386 new homes, retail units including the Lidl store, office space, and new greenspace.

A separate application detailing the supermarket was approved earlier this year.

The retail chain said it was “delighted” to have the works underway and aim to welcome customers in for spring 2023.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, James Mitchell, said: “We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new store in West Parley, Dorset, is now underway.

“The supermarket represents a multi-million pound investment for the local area and gives residents access to Lidl’s high quality and affordable produce.

“Not only this, the plans will also deliver around 40 new jobs for the community which, following our second increase in hourly pay rates this year, will benefit from the highest pay rates in the industry.

“We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience whilst we undertake these works and look forward to sharing more information closer to opening.”

Once opened, the store will feature Lidl’s much loved in-store bakery, customer toilet with baby changing facilities as well as ample parking for cars and bicycles.

More details of the new Lidl have been provided in the separate planning application.

According to the Planning Statement, the store will be positioned to the south-east of the site, and will have a floor area of 1,987sqm.

The car park will wrap round to the west and north, providing 119 spaces, including ten disabled bays, ten parent and child bays, and two electric vehicle charging bays.

The store’s proposed layout is also expected to “integrate well” with future phases of the West Parley development.

A precise opening date is yet to be confirmed.