Budget supermarket chain Lidl has ambitious plans to expand its presence across Tayside, Fife, and Stirling, with eight new store locations identified in its latest site requirements brochure. The document, which details hundreds of prospective sites across the UK, highlights a mix of locations where Lidl has firm intentions to build, alongside others that are currently just areas of interest for future consideration. The news comes as a continuation of Lidl’s previously stated interest in expanding within the region, with several of the listed locations mirroring those on a “wish list” released in 2024. Perthshire Expansion Plans
For Perth residents, the most significant news is the confirmation of a proposed second Lidl store within the city, adding to the existing branch. The planned location, adjacent to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park, has already received approval from Perth and Kinross Council. However, the project may face legal hurdles. Following a similar situation last year where Tesco successfully challenged plans for a competing Aldi supermarket in Perth, councillors anticipate a potential legal challenge to this Lidl development as well. This highlights the competitive landscape of grocery retail in the area and the potential impact of new store openings on existing businesses. Focus on Fife and Further Afield
Lidl’s expansion plans extend beyond Perth and Kinross, with a notable focus on Fife. In Dunfermline, Lidl aims to supplement its current store at the Halbeath Retail Park with two additional locations, one planned for the former King Malcolm Hotel site in the south of the city, and another earmarked for the north. The southern location’s planning application is currently under review by Fife Council, who recently requested additional time for consideration. Elsewhere in Fife, Lidl is exploring a second location in Kirkcaldy, specifically in the north/east area, to complement the existing Esplanade store. A site in Rosyth, while not specifically named in the “wish list”, is also under active development, with demolition applications already submitted to Fife Council for a previously agreed upon location. Beyond Fife, Lidl also intends to relocate its existing Dundee city centre and Forfar stores, though specific locations for these relocations were not detailed in the brochure. Additionally, plans are in motion to establish a new store in Dunblane, Stirlingshire, a town currently served by Tesco, M&S Simply Food, and Greens of Dunblane. Continued Interest in Leven
Adding to the excitement of expansion, Lidl is also reported to be actively searching for a suitable location in Leven, Fife, demonstrating a commitment to serving a wider range of communities within the region. The retailer’s ongoing assessment of potential sites signals a continued investment in local economies and a recognition of the growing demand for budget-friendly shopping options. This wide-ranging approach across Tayside, Fife, and Stirling shows Lidl’s commitment to increasing accessibility and providing greater choice for shoppers in these areas. While the brochure offers a snapshot of the company’s future vision, the actual timeline for development remains subject to planning approvals and any potential legal challenges. Perth and Kinross residents can anticipate further updates as the McDiarmid Park project progresses, and shoppers across the region can look forward to potential increases in shopping convenience with the addition of these new Lidl locations.
For Perth residents, the most significant news is the confirmation of a proposed second Lidl store within the city, adding to the existing branch. The planned location, adjacent to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park, has already received approval from Perth and Kinross Council. However, the project may face legal hurdles. Following a similar situation last year where Tesco successfully challenged plans for a competing Aldi supermarket in Perth, councillors anticipate a potential legal challenge to this Lidl development as well. This highlights the competitive landscape of grocery retail in the area and the potential impact of new store openings on existing businesses. Focus on Fife and Further Afield
Lidl’s expansion plans extend beyond Perth and Kinross, with a notable focus on Fife. In Dunfermline, Lidl aims to supplement its current store at the Halbeath Retail Park with two additional locations, one planned for the former King Malcolm Hotel site in the south of the city, and another earmarked for the north. The southern location’s planning application is currently under review by Fife Council, who recently requested additional time for consideration. Elsewhere in Fife, Lidl is exploring a second location in Kirkcaldy, specifically in the north/east area, to complement the existing Esplanade store. A site in Rosyth, while not specifically named in the “wish list”, is also under active development, with demolition applications already submitted to Fife Council for a previously agreed upon location. Beyond Fife, Lidl also intends to relocate its existing Dundee city centre and Forfar stores, though specific locations for these relocations were not detailed in the brochure. Additionally, plans are in motion to establish a new store in Dunblane, Stirlingshire, a town currently served by Tesco, M&S Simply Food, and Greens of Dunblane. Continued Interest in Leven
Adding to the excitement of expansion, Lidl is also reported to be actively searching for a suitable location in Leven, Fife, demonstrating a commitment to serving a wider range of communities within the region. The retailer’s ongoing assessment of potential sites signals a continued investment in local economies and a recognition of the growing demand for budget-friendly shopping options. This wide-ranging approach across Tayside, Fife, and Stirling shows Lidl’s commitment to increasing accessibility and providing greater choice for shoppers in these areas. While the brochure offers a snapshot of the company’s future vision, the actual timeline for development remains subject to planning approvals and any potential legal challenges. Perth and Kinross residents can anticipate further updates as the McDiarmid Park project progresses, and shoppers across the region can look forward to potential increases in shopping convenience with the addition of these new Lidl locations.