Lidl is planning to develop more than 3,000 homes and a primary school as the supermarket’s tries to secure planning permission to construct new stores around London.
The German supermarket chain has discussed housing developments since 2008, but has currently only built 335 homes. It has now revealed plans to be part of house-building schemes in London that could lead to the construction of more than 3,000 new homes in just three years. The company also wants to increase its involvement in mixed-use schemes to include offices, hotels, student accommodation and flats.
Deer Park primary school in Richmond will have a new home over two floors above a Lidl store, including an outdoor playground with space for games such as football and hockey.
Lidl chief executive Christian Hartnagel said the company was "proud" to help "pave the way for mixed-use developments".
"To date, our stores have supported the creation of over 800 homes, which have either been built, or are soon to be built, and we're entirely open to exploring opportunities to help facilitate further developments," he said.
"In London alone, for example, there is the potential for Lidl stores to be part of schemes that could see over 3,000 new homes being built over the next three years. It continues to mean a great deal to us that we are able to support many of the communities that we're a part of by providing added value above and beyond affordable food."
The project is expected to completed next year.