Work has started on new multi-million-pound Lidl store in Staffordshire after legal battle
Lidl says Rugeley shoppers will be relieved to learn they were a step closer to finally having more retail choice.
German discount supermarket Lidl chain has started construction work of its new multi-million-pound store in Rugeley close to rival Aldi.
Bosses claim the branch which is situated close to the town’s main shopping street will help to regenerate the vicinity by significantly boosting the local economy. The new Lidl store represents forms part of the business’s wider £600m national expansion plan.
When it is completed the supermarket will create up to 40 new jobs for the community with entry-level hourly rates of pay of £13.45.
Joe Caunt, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to finally break ground in Rugeley. We know the community has been following this journey closely, and we want to thank residents for their incredible patience and support while we navigated the planning delays.
“Everyone deserves the right to choose where they shop and access high-quality, affordable food. We are excited to finally bring our great value products to the town and look forward to keeping the community updated as construction progresses."
The milestone decision to move forward with the building of the Rugeley site comes after Lidl and Cannock Chase Council successfully overcame legal challenges, including a judicial review launched by Tesco attempting to block the development.
With these hurdles cleared Lidl said it can now deliver on its promise to bring much-needed retail competition to the area to give households the best value possible.
The new store will feature a spacious 1,334 sqm sales area complete with a bakery and the iconic Middle of Lidl aisle range. It will be positioned within walking distance of both the town centre and the 2,300 new houses being built at the former power station.
Solar panels will be installed on the roof help power the store which is developed on land to the south of the Aldi and Tesco stores.
As part of its community drive the retailer is inviting nearby schools to join the free Lidl Foodies programme that aims to support the next generation to develop a love for healthy eating, with a focus on fresh fruit and vegetables. School teachers will be able to access ready-made workshop plans throughout the year by visiting the National Schools Partnership website.
Cannock Chase Council approved applications in 2021 for Aldi to move from its old Market Street site to a timber yard site on Power Station Road and for a new Lidl branch to be built on vacant land near the town’s McDonald’s.
Former district council leader and Western Springs ward representative Councillor Olivia Lyons posted on Facebook: “It has been years since Lidl first submitted their planning application. I'm pleased construction has finally begun on the new store.”
It is due to open to the public in spring 2027. Lidl opened in Burntwood in January 2026.
Another new branch is currently being built on the former Buzz Bingo site which closed in 2020 in Steelmans Road, James Bridge, Darlaston near Walsall.
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