Former Lidl in Mile Cross to offer Norwich funeral services

The Lidl in Drayton Road served its last customers in Mile Cross on April 30, 2023, after nearly 30 years at the site.

It was one of the oldest Lidl stores in Britain, having opened in 1995, just a year after the German brand opened its first 10 UK stores.

The Lidl closed in Drayton Road in April 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

The supermarket firm confirmed that the shop was no longer "fit for purpose" but a new use appears to have been found.

East of England Co-operative Services has confirmed that the site could be used as a funeral branch, after lodging plans for alterations with Norwich City Council.

A company spokesman confirmed: "Work has started on site for a new East of England Co-op Funeral branch in Norwich, set to open for the local community later this year.

The former Lidl will become a funeral services (Image: East of England Coop Funeral Services)

"The new branch will offer a full range of multi-faith funeral services as well as arrangement rooms and a service hall."

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However, the news wasn't necessarily what councillors expected for the site.

Chrissie Rumsby, Labour county councillor for Mile Cross, said: "It is a huge building that has been closed for a long time and I welcome the news that it is going to be used.

Chrissie Rumsby, Labour county councillor for Mile Cross (Image: Norfolk Labour)

"The Lidl was very popular and it would have been really good to have the site remain a cheap supermarket of some kind.

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"I would have hoped it would be an East of England Co-operative shop rather than funeral services, but I hope that it will create some jobs for the local people."

Charlie Cross, Green city councillor for Mile Cross (Image: Norwich Green Party)

Green city councillor for the area, Charlie Caine, said: "Planners should keep in mind that we need to keep affordable shops in the area.

"With Lidl in Alysham Road and Aldi in Dereham Road, I believe this is the case and am glad to see an empty building being put to use in the community."