Supermarket chain Lidl has announced work on a new store in Norwich will start early next year and it could open in the spring.

Eastern Daily Press: Proposed site for the new Lidl store on Aylsham Road, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLYProposed site for the new Lidl store on Aylsham Road, Norwich. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Lidl secured permission from Norwich City Council last month for the store on the former Goff Petroleum site in Aylsham Road.

Lidl intends that the new 29,000 sq ft store will replace the current one in Copenhagen Way, which superstore bosses say is now too small.

Bosses say they are making a 'substantial investment' for the store on the three-acre site, which will employ 40 people.

The company says it will be a 'Lidl of the Future' store, with a glass-fronted facade. Lidl says the design will maximise natural daylight entering the building, while sensor controlled exterior sun blinds will automatically stop the store getting too hot on sunny days.

Colin Rimmer, Lidl UK's regional head of property, said: 'We could not be more delighted to have received planning permission, and look forward to getting started on construction.

'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support, and very much look forward to opening our doors.'

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