Large new Lidl supermarket opens in Milton Keynes tomorrow

The 1,410 square metre store, the fifth Lidl in MK, is on Wolverton Road in Blakelands, near Newport Pagnell.

Its opening times will be between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans across Great Britain and has created around 40 new jobs for the local community.

It features facilities such as an instore bakery, customer toilets, ample parking for cars and bicycles and electrical vehicle charging. Some 20 per cent of the floorspace is to be used for the sale of centre aisle goods, also known as comparison goods.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property Rachel Hargreaves said: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing our fifth store to Milton Keynes. It is great for us to be able to generate more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we are proud to serve the local community at this time.”

The new store will also be providing surplus food and customer donations to a number of charities in Milton Keynes, including the MK Community Fridge and and MK Snap's community café.

Some residents in Newport Pagnell objected to the planning application to build the new Lidl when it came before MK Council in 2019. They said it could be the 'death knell' for businesses in the town and also cause rush hour traffic problems.

One resident said: "In a time when councils are trying to protect struggling High Streets in one fell swoop this development with sound a death knell to several small businesses in Newport Pagnell."

Other people, however, have welcome the new store, saying it would give them choice in a town where the only two supermarkets are both owned by the Co-op.

Lidl is ranked the third most favourite UK supermarket for customer satisfaction, according to consumer group Which?, who conducted a survey of shoppers last year.

Best supermarket for customer satisfaction was thought to be Waitrose. This is the full Which? ranking:

1. Waitrose

2. M&S

3. Aldi

4. Lidl

5. Morrisons

6. Sainsbury's

7. Tesco

8. Iceland

9. Asda