Lidl GB is stepping up its expansion drive with plans to open more than 50 new stores over the next 12 months, backed by a £600m investment in its UK estate and infrastructure.

The discounter said the programme would create close to 2,000 jobs and marked its biggest standard store opening push in the UK supermarket sector this year.

Planned openings include sites in Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington and Thornbury, all due to open this summer.

Lidl said the investment would also support wider regional growth, with more stores creating additional opportunities for British suppliers as it expands shelf space and distribution.

The retailer currently sources around two-thirds of its range from British suppliers.

The store push is being matched by further logistics investment.

Lidl said construction of its new warehouse in Leeds is progressing, with operations due to begin next year, while in London it has submitted plans to extend and connect its Belvedere distribution facilities.

For the wider market, the announcement underlines the continued aggression of the discounters as they battle for share in UK grocery.

Lidl already operates more than 1,000 stores and 13 distribution centres across Great Britain, and has made no secret of its intention to keep building density despite planning hurdles that have slowed parts of its rollout.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, said the latest programme was intended not just to add stores but to “unlock regional growth”, linking the expansion to job creation, supplier confidence and wider access to affordable food.

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