Lidl plans to open stores in Bromley, Bickley and Lewisham

The discount store, now the third largest supermarket in London, has published a list of more than 100 locations for potential new branches in London, with dozens in the south east – such as Orpington, Forest Hill, and two in Lewisham.

Across the UK, Lidl plans to open hundreds of new outlets, including in Bristol, Birmingham, and Berwick.

In London, new stores will also be opening in Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton, and Canning Town.

Lidl’s chief development officer, Richard Taylor, said: “We have also been the fastest growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.

“With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.

“We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.”

Lidl is searching for sites with a strong pedestrian or traffic flow, easy access, and in prominent locations.

The minimum size required for a standalone branch is one and a half acres, upping to four acres for mixed-use schemes.

The retailer added that units should be between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and provide more than 100 dedicated car parking spaces.

In terms of ownership, Lidl is willing to consider freehold, leasehold, or long leasehold opportunities.

If a site is successfully identified, the supermarket has pledged to pay a finder’s fee of 1.5 per cent of the total freehold purchase price or 10 per cent of the first year’s rent for leaseholds.

South London locations for potential new Lidl stores:

• Beckenham
• Bickley
• Biggin Hill
• Bromley – South
• Hayes