Abingdon Lidl: Opening date for new store revealed

Four new businesses are to open branches at Fairacres Retail Park, off Marcham Road, creating about 100 new jobs.

Lidl will open on Thursday, April 29, according to a large sign outside the new retail unit.

Soon after opening Lidl will be followed by Costa Coffee and The Gym.

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And a 23,800sq Homebase is also scheduled to open in the autumn.

The new Lidl supermarket at Fairacres Retail Park Picture: Andy Ffrench

Richard May, director of the family-run real estate company Mays Properties Ltd, which owns the park, said earlier this year: “We are hoping that this will act as a significant catalyst for new investment and jobs in other parts of the town, and shows that Abingdon is open for business and has a lot to offer.

“We have worked very hard with our existing tenants on the Retail Park to help them through the impact of Covid 19 and we will continue to provide whatever financial and other assistance we can to make sure they emerge from the pandemic in a healthy position.”

However, it is not all good news for the retailers at Fairacres as the future of one business and its employees remains uncertain.

Mr May revealed he is ‘concerned’ about what will happen to the Argos store at the park as owners Sainsbury’s have formally announced their intention to reduce the brand’s property portfolio from around 450 to 100 stores.

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With the lease expiring in March next year, MPL’s director said that it is ‘highly likely’ that the supermarket will shut the branch.

He added: “We would be sorry to see Argos go, they have been good for the retail park and for Abingdon as a whole.

“In order to retain local jobs and to avoid being left with a vacant unit, we have taken the decision to be pro-active so as to ensure that, should Argos vacate the unit, it can be quickly re-let and jobs retained on the park.”

The new Lidl at Fairacres Retail Park in Abingdon

Mr May also revealed plans to bring in a Marks & Spencer foodhall to take the place of Argos if its lease is not renewed.

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Staff at Lidl’s press office have not yet confirmed the April 29 opening date. Discount supermarket chain Aldi has revealed plans to build a new store west of Wootton Road in Abingdon and east of the A34. It launched a public consultation in December.