Downham Market’s Lidl store finally opens today - but supermarket’s fruition was far from straightforward

It has been years in the making, with plans first mooted in 2020, but today is finally the day that Downham’s Lidl store opens its doors.

Four years ago, councillors in the town backed the proposals for the discount supermarket on land off of Bexwell Road.

That was despite fears over its impact on the town centre and road safety, and claims from Morrisons that its Downham store could close if Lidl was to open in the town.

In 2022, borough planning officials warned that the supermarket could damage the town centre and harm the area’s character.

Despite this, the plans were approved by West Norfolk Council’s planning committee in May 2022 by the skin of its teeth, by nine votes to seven.

However, this approval was quashed in the High Court following a legal challenge from Tesco.

The proposals were again approved by West Norfolk Council’s planning committee when the scheme was back before it in March last year.

By November, we were still unsure of when the store would start to take shape, with it believed that design changes to add carrstone - used in a number of buildings in Downham, giving it its ‘gingerbread town’ nickname - following requests from the town council were causing delays.

But by May of this year, foundations had started to be laid - and thanks to reader Thomas Eggett capturing the site’s progress, we can see how the store finally began to take shape.

After a long and far from straightforward process, the town’s Lidl is finally ready to welcome customers when it opens today.

Pupils from the town’s Hillcrest Primary School are set to help officially open it after Lidl donated £999 to the school to help fund sensory equipment.

The new store on Bexwell Road will be open from 8am–10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sundays.

The store will feature the company's renowned bakery, the popular ‘Middle of Lidl’, and customer facilities, including toilets with baby-changing stations.

There will also be ample parking for both cars and bicycles. Shoppers can look forward to Lidl Plus offers and complimentary food sampling throughout the opening weekend.

This multi-million-pound investment is set to boost the local economy with the creation of up to 40 new jobs.

Andrew Hodgkinson, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our first store here in Downham.

“Those who previously travelled to Lynn now have easy access to their Lidl festive favourites, while new customers will get to experience a Lidl Christmas for the first time.

“As well as providing residents with quality, affordable products, we are committed to making a positive impact in the community.

“It’s been our privilege to support Hillcrest Primary School with a donation for sensory equipment, and we look forward to celebrating the store launch with the pupils during the ribbon cutting.”